Driver in deadly Oklahoma crash faces murder counts

The driver of a car that barreled into a parade-watching crowd in Oklahoma, killing four people and injuring dozens more, has been charged with four counts of second-degree murder, police said.

Those come in addition to a previous charge of driving under the influence for Adacia Avery Chambers, 25, said Kyle Gibbs, police captain in the town of Stillwater.

Chambers, now being held in Payne county jail, is due in court Monday for her initial hearing.

She faces 10 years to life in prison for each murder count.

A massive crowd had gathered to see the Oklahoma State University Homecoming Parade. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene and one victim, a two-year-old boy, died at hospital as a result of his injuries.

Another 47 people were injured in the crash. As of late Sunday, five of those were still in critical condition.

Stillwater Mayor Gina Noble, who served as the parade's grand marshal, deplored the "unthinkable" tragedy.

"As the mayor, I saw the tragedy unfold," Noble said in a statement.

"We are mourning together. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. Our hearts are heavy. We are family. We are a team. We are STILLWATER STRONG."

Chambers was arrested for driving under the influence early Saturday.

She was taken to Stillwater Medical Center to obtain blood samples as required by Oklahoma statute in collisions involving fatality and serious injury.

The blood samples will be sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for testing.

Many US colleges and universities hold homecoming festivities -- annual celebrations for past and current students -- and OSU's are believed to be among the largest in the country, with tens of thousands taking part every year.
Source: AFP