1 dead, 5 injured after Christmas parade float crashes into crowd in Spain

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - One person died and five were injured when a vehicle participating in a Christmas parade in the Spanish town of Marchena plowed into a crowd Thursday night.

At 8.15 p.m. (1915GMT), those who set out to enjoy the parade called emergency services to say a float had run over several people.

According to Andalusia emergency services, the vehicle was driving down a hill and only stopped when it crashed into a wall.

As a result, one woman is dead and five others are injured. Emergency services say two people, including a minor, are being treated for severe injuries.

According to the regional government, authorities are still investigating what caused the crash.

Meanwhile, Spanish daily ABC de Sevilla reported that early hypotheses suggest a mechanical failure was behind the tragedy.

People on the scene are still in shock.

The parade is a traditional Spanish practice that takes place in almost every Spanish town and city on Jan. 5.

It symbolizes the arrival of the three wise men who come bearing gifts at the end of Spain’s long Christmas season. ​​​​​​​

After the parade, children are supposed to go home, clean their shoes and sleep early so the wise men can leave presents by their shoes overnight.