ANKENY – An errant driver slammed into numerous children this week at an Iowa school’s student pickup lane, and those involved are trying to process the aftermath.
Ankeny Police and Fire responded to a collision involving a vehicle and multiple children at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School, 1102 NW Weigel Drive, at approximately 3:15 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Students were waiting to be picked up from school when a vehicle went over the curb and entered the pickup line injuring 15 students. Nine students were transported by ambulance and six students were transported by family to area hospitals and urgent care clinics. Eight children have been treated and released while seven remain hospitalized. Ages of the children range from 7 to 11 years old.
The crash does not appear to be intentional, and the driver remained on scene and is cooperating with police. The collision is under investigation and no other details about the driver will be released until it is complete.
First responders from Johnston-Grimes, Polk City and Saylor Township assisted with patient transport. School staff and parents in the school pickup line also provided immediate assistance to those injured before emergency crews arrived.
“Our thoughts are with the students, families, school staff and our community impacted by this incident. We appreciate the quick response and care provided by everyone involved,” Ankeny authorities said. “The City will continue to support those affected as the investigation moves forward.”
St. Luke’s appreciated the community’s support and asks for prayers. At this time, there is no formal fundraiser established for the families involved.
This is an ongoing investigation and no other information is available at this time, police said.