Dozens injured as elderly man ploughs car into US town parade

More than 50 people have been injured when an elderly man drove his car into a group of hikers marching in a parade in a small Virginia mountain town. 

Emergency personnel respond to one of the people hit by a car, at right, during the beginning of the Hikers Parade at the Trail Days festival in Damascus, Virginia

 

Washington County director of emergency management Pokey Harris said no fatalities had been reported.

The injuries ranged from critical to superficial, he said. Three of the victims were flown by helicopters to regional hospitals. Another 12 to 15 were taken by ambulance. The rest were treated at the scene.

The status of the driver wasn't released. Multiple witnesses described him as an elderly man.

Volunteer fire department chief Ben Sanders said the motorist told authorities afterward he did not remember what had happened.

Authorities are still investigating, but Mr Harris said they believe the man might have suffered a medical emergency before the accident.