At least five people have died and over 40 have been injured after a vehicle drove through a holiday parade in Wisconsin, USA.

According to police, 11 adults and 12 children have been taken to the hospital.

The incident took place when an SUV went through a barricade at Gasper Avenue and Main Street and then drove into the crowd that gathered for the parade.

The incident occurred during one of the city's biggest and most cherished annual events as the red SUV barreled down the street, plowing into parade participants.

A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners, and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured.

The parade is normally held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and is mainly sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s, 59th anniversary, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”