KENNEBUNK, Maine — Several people were injured Saturday in Kennebunk when an antique vehicle crashed into a parade float while they were forming the procession on Water Street.
Kennebunk Fire-Rescue said the vehicle "lurched forward unexpectedly" and caused several people standing between the vehicle and a nearby float to become pinned between the two.
Emergency officials said children were on the float at the time of the crash, and multiple people witnessed the incident. Two women suffered serious injury to their lower extremities because of being pinned between the vehicle and the float, and a man who was not pinned was also injured because of the impact, police told NEWS CENTER Maine.
The three adults went to the hospital, and police said of them may require surgery.
Several children had bumps and bruises from the incident, when the impact to the trailer they were on caused them to lose their footing, according to Kennebunk Fire-Rescue.
Police were not able to specify what group or organization the float was representing.
The parade had already started about five minutes before the crash occurred, and it largely carried on as planned, police said, though it was a bit shorter than initially planned.
A police officer who spoke with NEWS CENTER Maine said emergency response officials were focused on caring for the individuals impacted in the crash, so they could not speak to whether there was a discussion to end the parade.
The driver of the vehicle was shaken up but did not suffer serious injury, police said. Police also stated that they did not appear intoxicated. The vehicle was impounded, police said, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
Kennebunk police and fire were aided by Arundel Fire-Rescue and Kennebunkport EMS. They also thanked several bystanders who came to help.
"[Kennebunk Fire-Rescue] and [Kennebunk Police Department] had a very quick response to the incident with the on-duty crew as well as those in the parade detail," the fire department said in a post on Facebook.
The event was put on by the town as part of its annual May Day Festival, with multiple activities planned Saturday, including the parade on Main Street at 1:30 p.m.
Vehicles registered as antique in the state of Maine have more restrictions on their use. According to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, an antique automobile that is "substantially maintained in original or restored condition" is primarily used in exhibits or events such as parades. Antique automobiles are not for use as the owner's primary vehicle for transportation, and insurance and an "Antique Auto Affidavit" are required for antique automobiles to be registered, according to the Maine BMV website.
This is not the first time an antique vehicle has been involved in a crash during a parade in Maine.
Just over 10 years ago, a fatal crash occurred in Bangor, involving an antique tractor and an antique hose fire truck. Wallace Fenlason, 63, of Holden was killed when the antique tractor he was riding on was struck from behind by an antique fire truck during Bangor's Fourth of July parade in 2013.
Reports at the time indicated the brakes on the fire truck failed while it was traveling down a hill on Water Street, causing it to collide with Fenlason and run over him. Fenlason died instantly. The deadly incident led to local changes to safety protocol for future parades and events.