The deaths of four teenagers in a car crash have been connected to a TikTok challenge, according to a report.
WGRZ reported earlier this week Buffalo Police announced four teenagers died and two others were being treated in the hospital after an early-morning crash.
BREAKING: BPD on scene of a serious rollover accident at the 33 westbound & the 198. Motorists are asked to avoid that area with that stretch of roadway closed to vehicular traffic.
— Buffalo Police Dept (@BPDAlerts) October 24, 2022
According to police, the ages of the individuals ranged from 14 to 17 years.
Three of the individuals reportedly died at the scene and a fourth died at the hospital.
“It’s a horrific morning for the families, their friends, our police officers and our investigators and fire department that were there investigating this,” Buffalo Police commissioner Joseph A. Gramaglia said, as WGRZ reported.
He added, “This is a terrible terrible outcome for such young kids that had their entire lives in front of them.”
The outlet noted investigators believe the vehicle involved in the crash was stolen Sunday night.
The vehicle was reported to be a Kia.
Gramaglia is convinced the alleged robbery was connected to a “Kia Challenge” TikTok trend that has become popular.
WGRZ explained the trend “shows thieves across the country how to steal Kias built in the last decade without a key and the use of just a USB cord.”
“They’re very easy unfortunately to steal,” Gramaglia said.
He explained, “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.”
ABC News pointed out police departments around the United States have claimed a spike in Kia and Hyundai thefts since the video about the trend was posted on TikTok.
