A fatal incident on the Las Vegas strip on Sunday has claimed the life of one person and injured 36 others, as a car plowed through a crowded sidewalk near the venue hosting the Miss Universe pageant. The victims, which included one child, were rushed to the University Medical Center, where six of the 36 are in critical condition, according to The Associated Press.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lt. Peter Boffelli stated that the vehicle was in the northbound lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard near Bellagio Way when the car drove up onto the sidewalk and struck the pedestrians. Out of the 37 who were struck, one was killed, six are in critical condition, and 11 have been released.
"This is a huge tragedy that has happened on our Strip," he said.
Boffelli further stated that currently, it is not clear if the female driver intentionally ran over the pedestrians or if the incident was an accident. The driver, who was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, brought the vehicle to a stop outside the Tuscany Hotel & Casino. Confronted by witnesses who pounded on her windows, the woman attempted to flee, but was ultimately apprehended outside a nearly hotel, reports The New York Daily News.
The driver is currently under police custody and is undergoing a sobriety test for both drugs and alcohol.
The victims of the incident were allegedly tourists, as observed by University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen, who stated that at least one child was among the injured and that many of the victims required French translators, according to Asia One News.
Gov. Brian Sandoval has issued a statement about the incident, promising to help and provide assistance to those who were affected by the fatal incident. "I extend (my) deepest sympathies to all who are affected by this shocking and tragic event," he said. "Additionally, I would like to thank the first responders and the medical professionals who are caring for the victims this evening."
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