TikTok's Kia challenge has left four teenagers dead in Buffalo, New York. Six teens stole a car as part of the increasingly famous, and dangerous, viral challenge that became popular on the social media platform. After they made off with the vehicle, they were involved in a car accident in which, according to Buffalo Police, five of the six passengers were "propelled at full speed" out of the vehicle. Four died upon impact, while the fifth remains hospitalized in intensive care. All of them were between 14 and 19 years old. In addition, one of them, only 14 years old, had just become a mother.
The 16-year-old driver was treated at a hospital and has already been released. He is currently in police custody and the prosecution has already filed charges against him for possession of stolen material and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Erie County Prosecutor John Flynn said the driver's identity had not been released for security reasons but that he will have to return to court to testify on Nov. 15.
'Kia challenge' increases vehicle theft
The crash was not accidental. Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia told AP that the teenagers may have been performing the Kia challenge. The owner of the Kia that the teens were using had reported it stolen the day before the crash.
The challenge, which involves jump-starting Kia and Hyundai cars with a USB cable, is leading to an increase in vehicle thefts. Police departments across the country report an increase in vehicle thefts of these brands to complete the dangerous viral challenge.
