The events occurred in Buffalo, upstate New York – Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images.
Four teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 were killed in a fatal crash in Buffalo, upstate New York, and authorities are investigating the link to a viral challenge on TikTok.
The victims and two surviving teens were traveling in a stolen Kia, being driven by a 16-year-old who lost control of the speeding vehicle, crashed, and ejected five passengers.
According to a report by The New York Post, the driver survived the impact and was treated at a hospital, 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 TikTok, where young people are urged to steal Kia and Hyundai cars with phone chargers.
It is known as the “Kia challenge,” which challenges TikTok viewers how to connect two brands of cars with a USB cable and a screwdriver to steal them. The message challenges to participate in illegal activity.
The impact in which the teens were killed left the car virtually totaled, as shown by images from local television station WLVB.
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The fatalities are Marcus Webster, 19; Swazine Swindle, 17; Kevin Payne, 16; and Ahjanae Harper, 14.
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said two charges against the driver are possible.
The Post adds that police departments in the U.S. reported increased thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars. That coincides with the summer release of the first video of the challenge.