A routine school pickup turned into a scene of chaos and emergency on Tuesday after a vehicle veered off course and struck multiple students outside a Catholic school in Ankeny.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. near St. Luke’s Catholic School, located roughly 10 miles north of Des Moines, as students were being dismissed for the day.
Authorities said the driver, who was in the pickup line, suddenly left the roadway, jumped a curb, and hit nine students. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after parents and bystanders immediately stepped in to assist the injured.
All nine students were transported to local hospitals, with several reported to have sustained serious injuries. Officials have not yet released the ages of the victims, though the school serves approximately 400 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was not injured in the crash. Police confirmed the individual remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident does not appear to be intentional. Authorities are continuing to investigate what caused the vehicle to veer off the road.
City and school officials expressed gratitude to parents, teachers, and staff who provided immediate aid.
“Your care for one another is a true reflection of the St. Luke’s community,” school officials said in a statement.
