A crash involving a motorcycle officer left at least 10 people hospitalized during a holiday parade in Palm Springs Saturday night.
The crash happened around 6 p.m. near Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road as crowds gathered to watch the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade.
The officer, who was reportedly performing a wheelie trick, suddenly lost control of his bike and fell off, witnesses told the Desert Sun.
The motorcycle then continued moving down the street before slamming into the crowd, according to the Palm Springs Post.
The motor officer’s hand was reportedly severed during the incident.
The nine spectators who were injured were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, Palm Springs police confirmed.
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A motorcycle crash left 10 people hospitalized during a holiday parade in downtown Palm Springs on Dec. 7, 2024. (Gillyh2o) -
A motorcycle crash left 10 people hospitalized during a holiday parade in downtown Palm Springs on Dec. 7, 2024. (Gillyh2o) -
Frenzied crowds rushed to help after a motorcycle crash left 10 people hospitalized during a holiday parade in downtown Palm Springs on Dec. 7, 2024. (Robert Cluck) -
A motorcycle crash left 10 people hospitalized during a holiday parade in downtown Palm Springs on Dec. 7, 2024. (Gillyh2o)
Cell phone videos from witnesses captured a chaotic scene as attendees rushed to help the injured bystanders. The motor officer’s bike could be seen lying on the ground near the crowd.
The parade was paused following the crash but later resumed. The parade in downtown Palm Springs typically draws between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators every year.
“We appreciate the community’s support. Our thoughts are with the officer, his family and all of those injured today,” said Palm Springs police.
The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Anyone with video or images of the crash is asked to email the footage to [email protected].
