The car crash that killed four teens in New York may have been linked to TikTok’s auto theft challenge.
A total of six teenagers were reportedly stolen and crashed in a Kia vehicle in Buffalo on Monday morning.
Four of them were killed, ranging in age from 14 to 17. The fifth passenger was in intensive care and the 16-year-old driver was treated and discharged in hospital.
It has now emerged that they may have been in the so-called “Kia Challenge”.
First appearing on social media, mostly TikTok, these posts show how to hot-wire Kia and Hyundai cars with a USB cable and a screwdriver.
In St. Petersburg, Florida, police said more than a third of car thefts there have been challenge-related since mid-July. The viral trend has led to an 85 percent increase in thefts from Hyundai and Kia compared to last year, Los Angeles officials said.
Buffalo Police Chief Joseph Gramaria blames Kia mania for Monday’s crash
On Monday, Buffalo Police Chief Joseph Gramaria told reporters he believed the teen in the fatal crash may have participated in the challenge.
Sky News has contacted TikTok for comment.