Police: Drunk driver hits 7 during Del. State homecoming event

DOVER, Del. -- Seven people were injured when an alleged drunk driver drove his car into a crowd on the campus of Delaware State University, reports CBS Philly.

Authorities say 28-year-old Gregory Ligon - a former football player at Delaware State -- attempted to park his car near the university's fraternity picnic area during a homecoming celebration Saturday evening, but he allegedly began exiting the vehicle while it was still in reverse.

Police say Ligon quickly jumped back into the driver's seat to stop the car, but pushed the gas pedal instead of the break.

Authorities say the car, with its driver side door open, accelerated over a curb and across a grassy area full of people, striking a 21-year-old woman and pinning her against a tree. She was rushed to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.

Six others were struck by the vehicle before it came to a stop when it struck a tree, breaking the driver's side door off.

Those six victims, who ranged in age from 21 to 51, were taken to Bayhealth Kent General Medical Center where they were treated for their injuries.

Ligon was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, first-degree vehicular assault, six counts of second-degree vehicular assault and failure to carry proof of insurance.

The crash occurred the same day four people were killed and more than 40 were injured when a driver plowed into a crowd gathered for an Oklahoma State University homecoming parade.