One person was killed and five others were injured Saturday when a pickup truck drove onto a sidewalk and struck several pedestrians in Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado. The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. as the Chevrolet pickup truck traveled onto a sidewalk, hitting multiple people before crashing into a tree.
Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) stated that the driver did not appear to intentionally target the pedestrians. Six individuals, including the driver, were transported to hospitals with injuries, though their conditions were not immediately disclosed. One victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to FCPS.
"This was a tragic day for many in our community," said Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda in a press release. "We recognize the impact that this incident will have on those involved, the witnesses, and the responders." Victim advocates were made available to support those affected.
The collision took place near the annual Tour de Fat bicycle parade, an event that typically draws large crowds to the area. The presence of numerous bystanders and patrol officers was noted due to the festival.
The FCPS Collision Reconstruction and Scene Handling Team is investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash, including the potential role of impairment. An initial assessment indicates the truck reversed from a parking spot on Mountain Avenue, struck another vehicle, then drove forward onto the sidewalk before hitting a tree.
The crash site was closed for approximately six hours while investigators processed the scene.