2 dead, 19 taken to hospital after major crash in Lincoln, Nebraska

Two people were killed and 19 others taken to hospital following a major crash in Lincoln, Nebraska, police said Monday.

The Lincoln Police Department said in a tweet at around 1:30 a.m. ET Monday that officers were investigating a "fatality accident" after receiving initial reports of multiple vehicles crashing into a large crowd.

It later said two "female occupants" had been killed in the incident, with 19 others transported to hospital. Of those, police said one was in critical condition and the other 18 people were believed to be in non-life threatening condition.

The ages and identities of the deceased were not immediately clear. Police did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

The incident appeared to unfold as an “Americruise” event was taking place. It was not immediately clear if the incident was connected to the event.

In a call with dispatchers published by Broadcastify, a first responder can be heard describing "people laying in the street" after being hit by a vehicle. The responder said several people were "down" and that at least one vehicle had flipped.

They also warned of "trapped occupants" in a car that had started to catch fire.

Police said the incident had unfolded near 52nd and O Street, where an "Americruise" event appeared to be taking place.

The “Americruise” event has previously been described as an annual affair that sees drivers flock to Lincoln over Memorial Day Weekend to show off their cars by cruising down city streets.

Asked for comment, the Midwest Association of Car Enthusiasts, which appears to have organized past "Americruise" events, said it had no direct involvement in the incident. It declined to provide further comment.