UPDATE: Oklahoma State Homecoming Tragedy: 4 Dead, More Than Dozen Seriously Injured

A drunk driver plowed into a crowd watching the Oklahoma State University Homecoming parade Saturday, killing four people and seriously injuring more than a dozen others, just as the parade was about to end.

Emergency vehicles were called to the scene of the accident near Hall of Fame Avenue and Main Street in Stillwater, Okla., and witnesses reported seeing as many as seven helicopters respond to the scene to transport victims.

Stillwater Police confirmed at an afternoon press conference that three people are dead, eight critically injured, seven of whom were airlifted to the hospital and nine others seriously injured. An additional 17 people were reported as being “walking wounded”.

Later in the day, officials identified a fourth victim, a 2-year-old child, who died at Oklahoma University Medical Center, the hospital announced. Seven others, whose conditions range from good to critical, remain hospitalized.

City officials said as of Saturday evening, at least 44 people were injured in addition to the four fatalities.

A 25-year-old Stillwater woman, identified as Adacia Chambers has been taken into custody and charged with DUI.

Police said the collision occurred around 10:31 a.m. while the parade was about to end. The car first struck an unmanned police motorcycle before driving into the crowd.

The car was reportedly not a part of the parade.

One of the victims was identified Saturday evening as 23-year-old Nikita Nakal, an MBA student at the University of Central Oklahoma, the university said in a statement. Nakal came to the United States from Mumbai, India to pursue her degree.

Police released the identities of the deceased early Sunday morning. They were identified as Bonnie Jean Stone, 65 and Marvin Lyle Stone, 65, both of Stillwater. The 2-year-old child was only identified as a Stillwater resident.

Witnesses described the horrific scene that sent people flying into the air. One witness told the Stillwater News Press, people were flying 30 feet into the air like “rag dolls”. Another parade goer told the paper all he saw was bodies flying.

Thousands attend the ”Sea of Orange” parade in Downtown Stillwater on homecoming day, one of the nation’s biggest homecoming parades. The game against the Kansas Jayhawks went on as scheduled.

“We are heartbroken about the tragedy, and our hearts and prayers are with the families of those who died and are injured,” Stillwater Mayor Gina Noble said in a statement. “We appreciate the professionalism exhibited from all our first responders and emergency personnel.”

University President Burns Hargis issued the following statement:

Oklahoma State University is devastated by today’s tragedy and extends its thoughts and prayers to the families of those who perished or were injured.

We are shocked and heartbroken by this horrible tragedy. The Oklahoma State University Homecoming parade is the most wholesome of events and to have it marred in such a way is incomprehensible.

We appreciate the rapid response and work of all emergency personnel. The OSU family will remember those affected by this tragedy.

Those needing information about possible victims involved in today’s tragic event should call Stillwater Police Department at 405-372-4171.

Support for the community poured out on social media.

“Our thoughts are with Oklahoma State and those involved in the tragic accident this morning,” the Kansas Jayhawks said on Twitter.

Soon, the hashtag #StillwaterStrong emerged on social media.

Stillwater Police ask witnesses to the incident to share information with them, especially those who may have video. Witnesses can call police at 405.372.4171.

The crash remains under investigation.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.

Image via @GeoffHaxton

Mugshot of Adacia Chambers courtesy of Stillwater PD