A 62-year-old Delphi woman was seriously injured and subsequently airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital following an off-road vehicle crash in Carroll County, as confirmed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon and involved a side-by-side off-road vehicle near the intersection of 900 North and Meridian Road in Flora. According to FOX59, the vehicle was operated by a 67-year-old Delphi man who lost control, resulting in the rollover that severely injured the passenger.
Suffering from "severe head injuries and lacerations," the woman was extricated from the vehicle by emergency personnel before being flown via Lifeline helicopter to IU Health Methodist Hospital. As per conservation officers' statements to WTHR, the driver, Randall Kesling, was ejected from the machine but only sustained minor injuries. Despite the seriousness of the crash, it was noted that neither individual had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and only the woman had been belted in.
The accident has led the Indiana DNR to re-emphasize the need for proper safety measures when operating or riding in off-road vehicles. They have urged the public to always wear helmets and protective riding gear, and to ensure the use of all available safety restraints. In a statement obtained by WISH-TV, authorities reminded people to "always wear protective gear — like helmets and seatbelts — when driving or riding in an off-road vehicle." They also highlighted the importance of individuals familiarizing themselves with state law and safe operating procedures to prevent similar occurrences.
Officers are currently using the incident to remind residents to thoroughly review and to actually adhere to safety guidelines designed to protect them in such vehicles.
