Motorcycle Crash Halts Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, Injures 10

The festive mood at the annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights parade took a sudden turn when a motorcycle crash left ten people, including a traffic officer, injured. The incident occurred shortly after the parade began on Saturday evening. According to the city of Palm Springs, the crash happened around 6 PM when a traffic officer on a motorcycle accelerated rapidly, lost control, and collided with the crowd gathered along the sidewalk. Witnesses described the terrifying moment, with one noting, "The bike slid, parts were flying everywhere, and people sitting close to the curb were directly impacted." The parade was paused for over half an hour as emergency crews responded. The injured were rushed to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The officer involved sustained a major hand injury and is currently receiving treatment. California Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation. Authorities are encouraging community members to share any media capturing the incident to assist in the inquiry. Despite the disruption, city officials have expressed gratitude that the injuries were not life-threatening and are reviewing safety protocols for future events. The Palm Springs Festival of Lights parade, a beloved holiday tradition, draws large crowds each year to celebrate the season with illuminated floats and performances. The incident has sparked conversations about balancing safety and spectacle during large public events. NBC Palm Springs will continue to provide updates on the investigation. For more details, visit the newsroom section on our website.