10 injured after motorcycle traffic cop crashes into parade bystanders

PALM SPRINGS, California — Ten people were injured after a traffic police officer on a motorcycle crashed into bystanders during a weekend parade in Palm Springs, California, authorities said.

All of the injured were taken to hospital Saturday evening for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, including the officer, according to police.

Witnesses recounted The desert sun newspaper that the police officer was doing a wheelie and suddenly lost control of the motorcycle.

The bike slipped into the crowd of spectators and paralyzed the festive event for more than an hour.

Authorities said some first responders participating in the parade helped the injured, including crews of ambulances and fire trucks still adorned with Christmas lights.

The accident happened around 6 p.m. as crowds were gathering to watch the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights parade, which typically draws between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators.

“I feel terrible about the accident and the injuries suffered by the people we protect,” Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said on Facebook.

City officials said the California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and seeking video from witnesses.