Minivan plows into crowd at Kipona Festival injuring multiple people

In the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania, a serious incident occurred during the Kipona Festival in Harrisburg on the evening of September 1, 2025. The festival, which celebrates the region's Native American heritage, was concluding when a red minivan driven by a woman drove around parked cars and traffic barricades, veering into a crowd of festival-goers just after 6 p.m. This sudden and alarming occurrence led to multiple injuries among the attendees, including a child and individuals in vulnerable positions such as a woman in a wheelchair. Police quickly responded to the scene and reported that three individuals had sustained injuries due to the driver's actions. The most critically injured was a 6-year-old boy, who was taken to a local hospital in a critical condition. Two adults, one being an employee from the city's traffic engineering department and the other a woman confined to a wheelchair, were reported to be in stable condition following the incident. Authorities indicated that there were no known life-threatening injuries other than the critical condition of the child, which brought relief to the gathered crowd and the community. Witnesses at the festival described the moments leading up to the crash, noting that the driver bypassed several barricades meant to keep vehicular traffic away from where the attendees had gathered. A local spokesperson, Michelle Moyer, confirmed these details, highlighting that the driver continued for six blocks post-collision before finally bringing the minivan to a stop. She emphasized the alarming nature of the incident and the quick response by law enforcement and medical teams. As investigations began immediately, police took the driver into custody, though it remains unclear whether she was alone in the vehicle or if she had sustained any injuries during the event. The local community is left in shock, seeking answers and understanding while the Kipona Festival, a three-day event cherished by locals, is overshadowed by this unfortunate event. The area has seen a rapid outpouring of support for the victims, and as the investigation unfolds, more details will likely surface concerning the motives behind this dangerous act. This incident raises several questions about safety protocols at outdoor festivals and how similar situations can be prevented in the future.