Our town had their car cruise-in, "Elvis" was here. Bands, and then fireworks.
The whole town lined the streets of rural Roanoke, IL..

After the fireworks show, pandemonium struck the streets. My family was in the safety of our backyard, but could hear the screams and fear coming from downtown.

An elderly lady had gotten into her car after the fireworks. And when starting her car, had her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake.
Her car shot straight into a crowd of people still seated. One man was pinned under her car, he was lifeflighted to the hospital and died on the way. His wife is in the hospital with head lacerations, and no feeling in her legs. 2 others were hurt, but not serious injuries.

It saddens me so deeply that the annual 4th of july ended in tragedy for a family last night. I can't imagine the holiday will ever be the same for them.

If you have a moment and the religion, could you pass on a prayer to the family of the deceased, and the family of the injured, as well as to the elderly lady who in a moment of error caused such destruction.

Thanks!

oh that's aweful.  YOu just never know.......

 OMG !  That is so sad ! Prayers are sent.

How awful!  Prayers being said.

What a tragedy!  I will defenetly be praying for the families and your rural community.

Prayers being added.

prayers going up..

so sorry it ended like that for them and for the poor elderly driver.

Just to update, tonight they held the visitation, and I'm not kidding, the ENTIRE town was there.

And, the wife who lost her husband, and who herself is suffering from injuries, called the elderly driver and told her they forgive her. That this was part of God's plan and they hold no bitter feelings towards her. Such a tearjerking, heartwrenching story.