Community Police & Fire

Five injured in collision during Maritime Gig Parade

Two vehicles participating in the Maritime Gig Grande Parade on Saturday collided on Harborview Drive near Rosedale Street, injuring five people.

Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One treated five patients following the collision. Medics took four of them to local hospitals for treatment. GHFMO said two victims suffered minor injuries and three suffered “moderate” injuries.

A collision occured during the Maritime Gig Festival Grande Parade on Saturday, June 1. Photo by Larry Steagall

A commercial van driving in the parade hit the trailer  that was part of another parade entry directly in front of it. Witnesses said the van appeared to accelerate abruptly, perhaps because the driver inadvertently hit the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

Some witnesses said they believed the driver of the van experienced a medical emergency behind the wheel, perhaps a cause of the unexpected acceleration. Fire district officials typically don’t clarify patient conditions due to HIPPA laws. A GHFMO spokesperson said at least one patient reported chest pains.

GHFMO and Gig Harbor Police responded immediately, having already been on scene for the parade.

The collision occurred at 11:45 a.m., close to the scheduled end of the parade at noon. Organizers canceled the remainder of the parade while emergency responders helped patients.