Malahide boy in critical condition after ATV crash

A nine–year-old Malahide boy was airlifted to hospital and was listed in critical condition after being involved in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) collision at 8:36 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police Constable Troy Carlson said the crash occurred at a private property in Malahide.

He said a six-year-old girl was driving a 500cc Suzuki ATV with four boys riding on it with her.

The boys riding on the ATV included a two-year-old, a four-year-old and two nine-year-olds.

“The children, none of which were wearing helmets or other safety gear, had been riding around the back yard while family members were on the other side of the residence at a family function,” Const. Carlson said.

The ATV driver was attempting to turn a corner at the back of the property “when she unintentionally pressed the throttle, lost control and collided with two pine trees,” Const. Carlson said.

One of the nine-year-old boys struck one of the trees and then became trapped between the ATV and a tree, he said.

“Hearing the collision, family members attended and freed the child who was unconscious,” Const. Carlson said.

The injured nine-year-old male was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

“He remains on life support in intensive care,” Const. Carlson said, adding no other children were injured in the collision.

He said the investigation into the collision would continue and “charges are pending.”