Vehicle Incident Injures Nine Students at Ankeny Catholic School

On March 24, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a vehicle struck nine students outside St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School in Ankeny, Iowa, located about ten miles north of Des Moines. The incident occurred in the school's pickup line as the driver exited the area. Authorities have indicated that the crash does not appear to be intentional, although the investigation is ongoing.

New York Times

Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene following multiple 911 calls. Nine students were transported to local hospitals, with some reported to have serious injuries. The conditions of the injured students remain unclear, and their identities have not been disclosed. The driver, who has not been publicly identified, remained at the scene and is cooperating with law enforcement.

Ankeny Police Sergeant Trevor McGraw noted the quick response from parents in the pickup line, stating, “A lot of parents stepped up and were helping stabilize injuries and care for those who had been affected by the car accident.” School staff also provided immediate support to students and maintained communication with their families.

St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, emphasized the safety and well-being of its families and staff as a top priority. In a statement posted on Facebook, the school acknowledged the accident and confirmed that emergency crews arrived promptly. They refrained from sharing further details out of respect for those involved.

WOI-DT - Des Moines News

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether alcohol or drugs played a role. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues to gather information regarding the incident.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, there has been no public dissent regarding the handling of the incident. However, community members have expressed concern over safety protocols during school pickup times, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to protect students.

• “A lot of parents stepped up and were helping stabilize injuries and care for those who had been affected by the car accident,” — Ankeny Police Sgt. Trevor McGraw

• "The safety and well-being of our families and staff remain our highest priority." — St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School Statement

WOI-DT - Des Moines News

As the investigation progresses, further updates regarding the conditions of the injured students and the findings of the inquiry are anticipated. The community remains focused on supporting the affected families during this challenging time.