Harisburg police taped off a section of Front Street after a car broke through barriers and hit three people. Photo courtesy of Ed Jaroch.
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams issued a statement on Tuesday, addressing a tragic incident on Labor Day.
At the city’s Kipona Festival on Monday, a red minivan drove through barriers that blocked off N. Front Street for the festival, injuring three people in what Williams called “an unthinkable act.”
The vehicle struck an adult woman in a wheelchair, a 6-year-old boy and a city Public Works employee, all of whom sustained serious, but not fatal, injuries, according to the city.
The incident took place on the final day of the three-day festival, in the evening, as the event was ending and vendors were closing.
“First and foremost, my heart, my prayers and the prayers of our entire city are with the victims and their families,” Williams said in a statement. “Let me be clear: Harrisburg will not tolerate reckless disregard for human life. Our police and emergency responders acted swiftly and courageously, and the individual responsible is now in custody. Justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
Local news has reported that 37-year-old Elizabeth Bohrer was arrested in relation to the incident and is being held at Dauphin County Prison.
Harrisburg resident Ed Jaroch said that he was on site at the time of the incident and noticed the car driving down Front Street, toward State Street. He said that the car was driving and honking its horn, as a man, likely a city employee, in a golf cart, attempted to slow the van down. Jaroch said that the van came to a stop at State Street for a few seconds before “flooring it.”
“It was unbelievable,” he said. “I didn’t think at all that when she stopped that she was going to move again.”
Jaroch said that he immediately called 9-1-1, and said that the police were at the site within a minute.
Williams said that she will review the incident “thoroughly” with law enforcement and public works and strengthen protective measures for future festivals.
“Kipona has been a hallmark of Harrisburg for more than a century. It is where families gather, neighbors reconnect, and traditions thrive along the beautiful Susquehanna River,” she said. “One reckless act cannot overshadow the spirit of this festival nor the unity of our community. But it is a reminder that safety will always remain our top priority.”
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
