A tragedy unfolded in Elyria yesterday evening as two young boys were involved in a devastating bicycle crash. A 9-year-old boy was killed, and a 10-year-old boy was severely injured after being struck by a car, WKYC reported. The Elyria Police Department has confirmed that it responded to the scene on the 100 block of Burns Road just before 6 p.m.
According to officials, the driver of a Jeep SUV was navigating east along Burns Road when they attempted to pass the two children on bicycles. The police investigation found that as the driver tried this maneuver, the boys inadvertently changed directions and collided with the vehicle, News 5 Cleveland reported. Emergency responders provided medical aid to the boys for life-threatening injuries. The 9-year-old succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the 10-year-old was transported to University Hospitals - Elyria Medical Center then airlifted to UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.
"This was a tragic accident, and the Elyria Police Department would like to express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the incident," Captain James Welsh said in a statement, as WKYC reported. Information surrounding the condition of the 10-year-old boy remains uncertain.
The driver involved in the accident did not suffer any injuries and stayed at the scene. Authorities have indicated that neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to be a factor in the incident, and, as of now, no charges have been filed, Cleveland19 news reported. The investigation is ongoing, and the Elyria Police Department has announced its intention to release more information tomorrow.
