A driver left his red Kia Soul at the East Liberty Black Arts Soul Steppin’ festival mistakenly thinking it was in park only for it to slowly drift into a crowd injuring six people Authorities say it was a tragic accident with no charges expected .
Driver’s Mistake Turns into Festival Chaos
On the evening of Sunday August 17 2025 a frightening accident disrupted the East Liberty Black Arts Soul Steppin’ Boots on the Ground Wellness Festival Harambee Style and Parade in Pittsburgh Around 630 pm a red Kia Soul left unattended by its owner who believed the car was in “park” began rolling into a crowd of festivalgoers Within seconds six people were struck as the vehicle drifted through the event space .
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Six Injured Amid Calm Festival Atmosphere
The victims included five women and one man Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene According to authorities .
- Five individuals were taken to local hospitals .
- Three sustained serious but stable injuries .
- Two were reported in stable condition .
A sixth person was evaluated at the scene but declined hospitalization .
Later updates confirmed that all hospitalized victims were stabilized and later released leaving no one in the hospital .
Witness Accounts Paint a Startling Picture
Festival photographer Ricco J L Martello described the terrifying moment
“I put the camera up to take a photo … next thing I know I see the car coming up in lanes I dropped the camera and … it was already too late They were already getting hit”
He added that tables were overturned belongings scattered and the car ultimately stopped after colliding with a small tent In a frantic attempt the driver sprinted toward the vehicle from the sidewalk trying to halt the drift an act that only highlighted the accidental nature of the incident .
Organizers Call It a “Freak Accident”
Festival co organizer Eddie Drummond and host Anita Drummond who both had relatives among the injured described the crash as a tragic mishap rather than negligence .
“It was a freak accident Probably the gears didn’t shift or something Then it rolled into everyone”
Despite the disruption organizers insisted on continuing the event emphasizing the importance of resilience and community spirit in the face of unexpected adversity .
Authorities No Charges Likely
Pittsburgh police fire and EMS teams arrived quickly to manage the emergency Officials stated the crash was “purely accidental” with no evidence of malice or intent .
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators Given the circumstances and the victims’ recovery authorities confirmed that no criminal charges are expected .
Community Resilience Amid Unforeseen Danger
What began as a simple parking error escalated into a chaotic scene Yet through swift medical aid effective crowd control and determination from organizers the festival regained its momentum .
Attendees volunteers and neighbors rallied together ensuring that the event’s celebratory and healing spirit prevailed even after a moment of fear and injury .
Summary at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Car drifted into crowd after driver thought it was in park |
| When & where | 630 pm August 17 2025 East Liberty Festival Pittsburgh |
| Injuries | 6 people hurt 5 hospitalized 3 serious but stable 2 stable 1 treated on site |
| Driver’s status | Stayed on scene cooperative gears likely mis shifted no charges expected |
| General mood | Tragic accident but festival continued with resilience and community support |