At least five dead as car ploughs into festive parade

Authorities in Wisconsin on Monday identified a 39-year-old man as the person who ploughed his vehicle into a Christmas parade last Sunday night, killing five people and injuring another 48, including two children who remained in a critical condition.

Darrell E Brooks was charged with five counts of intentional first-degree homicide in Waukesha, a city 30km west of Milwaukee. Police said the suspect was involved in an unspecified domestic disturbance immediately before the parade incident, and that further charges were expected.

Several of those killed were members of a “Dancing Grannies” troupe that was entertaining holiday crowds. Teenage girls dancing with a marching band were also hit when the red sports utility vehicle sped through the parade. Eyewitnesses estimated the car was travelling at around 65km/h when it struck the crowds.

The mayor of Waukesha, Shawn Reilly, said his town was grieving “a senseless tragedy”.

“Many of us were participants in the parade and witnessed these horrific actions. We are all trying to process what we experienced,” he said.