Clyde Holiday Parade Turns Chaotic: Woman Airlifted After Multi-Float Crash; Witnesses Describe “Panic and Terror”

CLYDE, Ohio — A event meant to kick off the holiday season in Sandusky County took a frightening turn Saturday when a woman was seriously injured during the annual Clyde Holiday Parade, prompting officials to immediately shut down the event.

Key Points
• A woman was airlifted to a Toledo hospital after being struck and pinned during the parade.
• Crash involved three parade vehicles pulling floats filled with participants.
• Police investigating whether the truck suffered mechanical failure or accidental acceleration.
• Witnesses describe chaos, fear, and frantic searches.
• Driver was detained at the scene; no signs of impairment, police say.
• Community beginning donation efforts for the victim.

Woman Pinned in Float Collision
Around 6:24 p.m., Clyde police and first responders rushed to the intersection of Main Street and Meadow Lane after reports of a collision involving multiple parade floats. According to Clyde Police Chief Monti Campbell, the woman injured was walking among the floats, not riding on one, when a truck unexpectedly jerked forward, striking her.
Police say the truck lunged ahead, sideswiping two floats and the vehicles pulling them before the woman became trapped and “rolled up” in the impact.
Chief Campbell said the investigation now centers on whether the truck suffered a mechanical issue or if the driver accidentally accelerated.

Witnesses: “We Were Just Grateful to Be Safe”
As emergency crews swarmed the scene, families scattered in panic. Several witnesses described moments of sheer terror.
One woman recounted the emotional aftermath, saying,
“When we went inside, we just hugged and cried. We were thankful we were okay.”
Another witness described the fear of not knowing whether her family had been struck:
“My grandkids and my son were all right there. Panic set in when I couldn’t find them. If that tire hadn’t blown, he would’ve come straight through my yard.”
Multiple parade-goers said the scene shifted from festive to frantic within seconds.

Driver Detained; No Immediate Signs of Criminal Intent
Police secured the driver immediately after the crash. While he is not currently in custody, investigators are continuing interviews and collecting mechanical evidence from the truck.
Chief Campbell said early findings show no indication of impairment:
“As it stands right now, the driver was not impaired. Without additional information, we’re viewing this as an accident. There’s no evidence suggesting this was intentional.”
Any potential charges will depend on what the ongoing investigation reveals.

Parade Canceled; Community Rallies Around Victim
With the crash occurring near the start of the parade route, organizers were forced to cancel the annual event. The woman’s condition remains unknown.
In response, the Clyde Fair Queen Program announced that donations for the victim will be collected starting Monday at Sandco Sweeties.