Four teenagers in Buffalo, New York have been killed in a car accident linked to a TikTok challenge to hot-wire a Kia car using a USB cord and a screwdriver.
On Monday (local time), six teenagers allegedly stole a Kia car and crashed it, killing four of the passengers.
Among the four teenagers killed was 14-year-old Ahjanae Harper, who had recently given birth to a baby girl. The other three teenagers killed in the crash were Marcus Webster, 19, Swazine Swindle, 17, and Kevin Payne, 16.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said he believes the alleged robbery was linked to the 'Kia Challenge' trend, which has gone viral on TikTok.
The 16-year-old driver of the vehicle survived the crash and was charged with unauthorised use of a vehicle and criminal possession of the stolen property, local news agency WGRZ reported.
He is set to reappear in court in November.
In a statement, Kia America said: "Kia America joins the Buffalo community in mourning the tragic crash involving six local teenagers early Monday morning, apparently the result of a theft of a Kia Sportage Sunday evening.
"Kia is aware of the recent trend amongst our youth - encouraged by social media - that target certain Kia cars with a steel key and 'turn-to-start' ignition systems.
"In many cases, the vehicles are stolen solely for the purpose of operating in a reckless and dangerous manner. Such criminal conduct endangers our local communities and violates property rights of the vehicle owner. The Buffalo PD has not yet released all pertinent details from its investigation that will allow us to connect this particular instance with this larger societal trend."
The students attended Buffalo Public School District and the school said in a statement it sends their condolences and sympathies to the victims' families.
"During this time of bereavement, in anticipation of the range of emotions from our students and staff, the district is offering grief counselling services to the students and staff during this extremely difficult time."
The New York Post reported the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
