The 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, a cherished holiday tradition, was temporarily halted following a shocking motorcycle crash that injured 10 people.
Despite the incident, the event eventually resumed, with the City of Palm Springs emphasizing its commitment to safety and expressing concern for the victims and their families.
The accident occurred around 6 p.m. when a traffic officer, part of the parade’s safety team, lost control of his motorcycle while performing a trick. According to eyewitness accounts, the officer attempted a wheelie maneuver, which tragically went awry.
A nurse attending the parade described the sequence of events, noting that the officer severed his hand during the mishap. The unpiloted motorcycle careened into the crowd, striking an elderly couple and causing injuries to several other spectators.
Eventgoer Veronica Ortiz of Pittsburg, California, recounted the scene, describing how the motorcycle skidded out of control after the officer lost his grip. “We did see him pop a wheelie and all of a sudden he went sideways and skid all the way over there,” Ortiz shared.
“The bike went straight into the crowd.” A photographer from *The Desert Sun* reported seeing six individuals being carried away on stretchers, though all were reportedly conscious and responsive.
The injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening, according to city officials. All affected individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The city issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging the accident and expressing gratitude for the community’s support. “Our thoughts are with the officer, his family, and all of those injured today,” the statement read.
Byron Ruvalcaba, a Riverside resident who witnessed the incident, criticized the speed at which the motorcycles were moving prior to the crash.
“They were going dumbly fast,” he remarked, estimating speeds of 25 to 35 miles per hour, which he felt were unsafe given the large number of children and families present.
Ruvalcaba was among the first to assist the injured officer and confirmed the severity of his injuries, describing the severed hand as potentially the most serious injury of the day. He also noted that the chaotic aftermath included spectators angrily shouting at the officer.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. near 288 North Palm Canyon Drive. In the wake of the incident, the California Highway Patrol launched an investigation and has appealed to the public for assistance, requesting videos or photographs of the crash to be sent to the designated city email.
While the parade resumed after the brief pause, the incident cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere. The Festival of Lights Parade is a long-standing highlight of the holiday season in Palm Springs, drawing thousands of attendees each year.
The city’s focus now turns to supporting those injured and ensuring such accidents are prevented in the future. This unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance between celebration and safety at large public events.
As more details emerge, the community will likely seek answers and reassurance that safeguards will be strengthened for upcoming parades. The City of Palm Springs has pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available.
