A Kansas mother who drove her pickup truck onto a youth soccer field, killing two people and injuring 10 others, has been released without charges.
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The 34-year-old woman, whose identity authorities have not disclosed, was behind the wheel when the vehicle suddenly accelerated onto a soccer field. The incident occured at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita on Saturday afternoon.
The crash killed six-year-old Adrian Cole and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both from McPherson, Kansas. Authorities confirmed that the two victims were not related.
Mom Released Without Charges After Fatal Soccer Field Crash
On Sunday, the Wichita Police Department said that officers had released the driver without filing charges. This is as investigators await toxicology results and a mechanical examination of the vehicle.
"No charges have been filed at this time, and investigators continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash," a police statement read.
According to investigators, the woman's Chevrolet pickup truck was initially parked near the soccer fields before suddenly accelerating onto the playing area with two children inside.
Authorities have yet to determine what caused the vehicle to accelerate.
The mother had reportedly been watching one of her own children play soccer at the complex. However, her child was participating on a different field from where the crash occurred.
Police Investigate Crash That Killed Two and Injured 10
Police confirmed that the victims ranged in age from five to 68.
As bystanders pulled the woman from the vehicle following the crash. She reportedly shouted, "Oh my God, Oh my God, what have I done?!"
Authorities praised members of the public who rushed to help the injured, providing lifesaving assistance until emergency responders arrived.
"Our hearts are with the families of Adrian and Nicholas as they face an unimaginable loss. What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy," Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan told reporters.
"We are also thinking about those who were injured, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed what happened. We know this tragedy has affected many people throughout our community, and we want those families to know they are not alone."
Sullivan emphasized that investigators remain focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash and hope to "understand exactly what happened".
Police have not announced any charges, and the investigation remains ongoing as authorities await the results of further testing.
