4 youngsters die in road accident in New York; They investigate a link with a viral challenge on TikTok

Four teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 died in a fatal accident in Buffalo, upstate New Yorkand authorities investigate the link to a viral challenge on TikTok.

The victims and two surviving teenagers They were traveling in a stolen Kiawhich was driven by a 16-year-old boy, who lost control of the vehicle that was going at maximum speed, was impacted and that ejected five passengers.

According to a report by The New York Post, the driver survived the impact and was treated at a hospital, from where he was released, while the other survivor was hospitalized in intensive care.

Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia reported on the accident and spoke of the possible link to a viral challenge on TikTokwhere youngsters are encouraged to steal Kia and Hyundai cars with phone chargers.

It is known as “Kia challenge” or “Kia Challenge”, which challenges TikTok viewers how to connect two brands of cars with a USB cable and a screwdriver, in order to steal them. The message challenges you to engage in illegal activity.

The impact in which the teenagers died left the car practically destroyed, as shown by images from the local television WLVB.

The fatalities are Marcus Webster, 19; Swazine Swindle, 17; Kevin Payne, 16, and Ahjanae Harper, 14.

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said there may be two charges against the driver.

The Post adds that police departments in the US reported a increase in thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars. That coincides with the publication in the summer of the first video of the challenge.

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