Driver in Pickup Line Jumps Curb, Injuring 9 Students Outside Iowa Catholic School
About 3:15 p.m., a vehicle in the pickup line at St. Luke’s Catholic School on NW Weigel Drive in Ankeny, Iowa, jumped the curb and struck nine students who were being picked up. The driver — who was not injured and remained at the scene — has not been identified; police say the incident does not appear intentional, and city officials thanked parents, teachers and staff for providing immediate aid before emergency responders arrived.
📌 Key Facts
- Around 3:15 p.m., at St. Luke’s Catholic School on NW Weigel Drive in Ankeny, a vehicle in the after-school pickup line jumped the curb and struck students.
- Nine students were injured in the incident.
- Police say the vehicle was in the pickup line when it jumped the curb and struck the students.
- Ankeny Police Sgt. Trevor McGraw said the incident does not appear to be an intentional act of violence.
- The driver was not injured, remained at the scene, and their identity has not yet been released.
- City officials thanked parents, teachers and staff for providing immediate aid before emergency responders arrived.
📊 Relevant Data
Ankeny's population grew from 67,887 in 2020 to 76,207 in 2024, representing a 12.3% increase, which has contributed to increased traffic congestion in the area.
Ankeny now fifth-largest city in Iowa, special census finds — KCCI
From 2014 to 2023, there were 171 pedestrian fatalities in school-transportation-related traffic crashes in the US, compared to 113 fatalities among occupants of school transportation vehicles.
School-Transportation-Related Traffic Crashes: 2014–2023 Data — NHTSA
Distracted driving and speeding are common causes of pedestrian accidents in school zones, contributing to increased risks during drop-off and pickup times.
How Do School Zone Pedestrian Accidents Happen? — Price Benowitz Accident & Injury Lawyers
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Officials specify the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. as students were being picked up from St. Luke’s Catholic School on NW Weigel Drive.
- Police state that the vehicle was in the pickup line when it jumped the curb and struck the students.
- Ankeny Police Sgt. Trevor McGraw says the incident does not appear to be an intentional act of violence.
- The driver was not injured and remained at the scene; their identity has not yet been released.
- City officials publicly thanked parents, teachers and staff for providing immediate aid before emergency responders arrived.