Four teenagers were killed in a car crash in Buffalo Monday morning that has been linked to an alarming “Kia Challenge” on TikTok.
The Associated Press reports there were six passengers inside the vehicle at the time of the accident. The victims were between the ages of 14 and 17. As for the other two, one was the 16-year-old driver, who has since been treated and released. The other was hospitalized and placed in intensive care.
According to WGRZ, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said investigators believe the car, which was stolen around 8 p.m. Sunday, was at the center of the “Kia challenge.” It instructs viewers how to steal a Kia model built within the last decade by using a cell phone charger and USB cord.
“They’re very easy unfortunately to steal,” Gramaglia said. “You can look up the information that’s been put out there. There are numerous cities across the country that are looking at looking into or have filed lawsuits against Kia because of the ease that they are able to steal these cars.”
The unidentified driver has been ticketed for criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The Erie County District Attorney’s office has launched an investigation into the crash with additional charges expected to be filed.
“It’s an extremely sad morning in the city of Buffalo when you lose four young lives in a horrific accident like this,” D.A. John Flynn said. “And now we need to do a thorough investigation to find out what happened and what the appropriate charges are against the driver of this vehicle.”
