BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kia released a statement Thursday following a crash that killed four Buffalo teenagers earlier this week.
Six people were in the car that crashed just before 7 a.m. Monday. Three died at the scene and a fourth died at the hospital, all ranging in age from 14 to 17 years. Two others were injured, including the driver. The 16-year-old driver was taken into police custody and is pending arraignment on Friday on charges connected to the accident.
In their statement, Kia America says:
"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."
Buffalo Police investigators say they believe the vehicle involved in the crash was stolen Sunday night around 8 p.m. Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said on Monday he believes the alleged robbery was linked to the popular Kia Challenge TikTok trend that shows thieves across the country how to steal Kias built in the last decade without a key and the use of just a USB cord.
The trend has resulted in a nationwide rise in stolen Kias, reported by various police departments across the country.
“They're very easy unfortunately to steal,” Gramaglia said. “You can look up the information that’s been put out there. There are numerous cities across the country that are looking at looking into or have filed lawsuits against Kia because of the ease that they are able to steal these cars.”
Kia says in their statement that they pledge to work with local law enforcement by providing, at no cost, steering wheel locks as an optional safeguard to concerned 'steel-key' operated Kia vehicles.
Kia vehicle owners who have additional questions can contact their Consumer Assistance Center at: 1-800-333-4542.