A deadly crash rocked Fort Collins, Colorado, on Saturday after a pickup truck jumped a busy sidewalk and plowed into pedestrians near a popular bicycle festival.
One person was killed and five others were injured in the terrifying incident, which happened around 11:50 a.m. in the 100 block of West Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins.
According to Fort Collins Police Services, the driver of a Chevrolet pickup truck first backed out of a parking space and struck another vehicle.
The driver then pulled forward, drove onto the sidewalk and hit several pedestrians before slamming into a tree and coming to a stop.
Six people were rushed to local hospitals. One of the victims later died from their injuries.
Authorities have not publicly identified the person who was killed or the other injured victims.
The crash unfolded near the annual Tour de Fat festival, a major Fort Collins event that draws large crowds of cyclists and pedestrians for a costumed bike parade, live music and entertainment.
It remains unclear whether any of the people struck were taking part in the festival.
Tour de Fat is held in connection with New Belgium Brewing and includes contests, games and a post-parade celebration. Proceeds from beer sales help support several local cycling organizations.
Police are now investigating exactly what caused the driver to lose control, including whether alcohol or drugs may have played a role.
Investigators said they do not believe the pedestrians were intentionally targeted.
“This was a tragic day for many in our community,” Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said.
Swoboda added that victim advocates are helping those affected and praised officers, emergency crews and bystanders who responded quickly.
Anyone with information about the crash is being asked to contact Fort Collins police at 970-416-6540.
