Car mows down festival day crowd

A convertible car struck several spectators at a St Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah, Georgia, today after accelerating through an intersection along the parade route.

Authorities said six people were hit and taken by ambulance to the hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The car, which was in the parade, struck the spectators near the centre of Savannah, said Police Captain Larry Branson said.

The car was supposed to turn right on the parade route but instead accelerated through an intersection, running into a square where dozens of people had gathered to watch the parade.

“People were diving out of the way,” said witness Jeff Gronner . “It’s a miracle that more people weren’t hit.”

Gronner said people were screaming as the car raced toward them. He estimated the car was travelling about 30 mph.

The accident happened about midway through the St Patrick’s Day Parade, which is the second largest in the US.