New dispatch audio from the day a driver allegedly drove into children and spectators at a Kansas soccer field reveals the urgency as first responders arrived on the scene on Saturday. Dispatchers referred to the incident as an ‘MCI’ or mass-casualty incident, which took place at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.
Two people, including a child, lost their lives. Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both from McPherson, died when a pickup truck crashed through a youth soccer game at the complex.
In addition to the fatalities, ten others were injured, including five children. Despite the severity, the 34-year-old woman driving the truck was released without charges, pending further investigation and toxicology results. This decision followed consultations with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office and interviews with over 30 witnesses, including her children who were in the vehicle.
The initial response to the scene recorded 11 patients suffering from varying degrees of injuries. Among these, some were in critical condition, as indicated by terms used such as ‘working blues’ for serious medical emergencies. The dispatch noted a 5-year-old with multi-system trauma but responsive, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15.
As part of the emergency measures, Wichita’s public works division will be placing temporary barriers at Stryker Sports Complex, where the crash occurred. The city also plans to enhance security and provide mental health support to affected families.
McPherson Mayor Jim Loving expressed condolences, emphasizing community support for the victims’ families and appreciation for bystanders and first responders who assisted immediately.
The investigation into this incident remains active, with updates expected as the case progresses.
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