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Fatal accident in downtown Des Moines began with a chase

A teenager was killed in a crash early Wednesday morning following a chase in downtown Des Moines. According to the Iowa State Patrol, troopers attempted to stop a stolen Hyundai at the intersection of I-235 and 31st Street in Des Moines around 1 a.m. when it was speeding. The situation turned into a chase that ended downtown when the driver drove the wrong way onto Grand Avenue. The Iowa State Patrol says when the Hyundai drove the wrong way onto Grand Avenue, pursuing troopers let up. Moments later, troopers report the driver crashed into another vehicle on 7th Street. One of the vehicles smashed through a glass window on the Ruan Building, and one person in the Hyundai died. The occupants of the other vehicle were taken to the hospital. Some streets in downtown Des Moines were closed Wednesday morning while troopers continue cleanup and investigations. All of the occupants of the Hyundai were underage boys, and the driver was identified as a 16-year-old. All are known to city police officers, officials say. Alex Dinkla says it's a grim reminder that every action has consequences. “It's a very tragic situation. Anytime someone dies in an accident, it's a very tragic event. This morning, that's exactly what happened,” Dinkla said. Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI

DES MOINES, Iowa —

A teenager was killed in a traffic accident in downtown Des Moines early Wednesday morning following a police chase.

Iowa State Patrol officials said troopers attempted to stop a stolen Hyundai for speeding at the intersection of I-235 and 31st Street in Des Moines around 1 a.m. The situation turned into a chase that ended downtown when the driver drove the wrong way onto Grand Avenue.

The Iowa State Patrol said pursuing troopers backed away from him when the Hyundai was heading the wrong way onto Grand Avenue.

Moments later, police reported that the driver had collided with another vehicle on 7th Street. One of the vehicles broke through a glass window at the Ruan Building and a person in the Hyundai died.

The occupants of the other vehicle were taken to hospital.

Some streets in downtown Des Moines were closed Wednesday morning as authorities continued to clean up and investigate.

All of the Hyundai's occupants were minors, and the driver was identified as a 16-year-old. All are known to city police officers, officials say.

Sergeant Alex Dinkla says this is a serious reminder that every action has consequences.

“It is a very tragic situation. Whenever someone dies in an accident, it is a very tragic event. This morning, that is exactly what happened,” said Dinkla.

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