A 6-year-old child died and two other children are in critical condition after an ATV crash in Louisiana.
Four children aged four to twelve were riding in a four-wheeler when they collided with a car on a city road on Wednesday, June 18, around 6:36 p.m. local time, according to KALB-TV, WNTZ-TV, and local newspaper The Olympian, which cited the Alexandria Police Department (APD).
Police told the outlets that officers responded to the intersection of Culpepper Road and North Boulevard in Alexandria, which is about 120 miles from Baton Rouge.
According to reports, the 12-year-old driver of the four-wheeler, which was carrying three passengers aged 10, 6, and 4, failed to stop at the intersection despite the presence of a stop sign and collided with a car.
Authorities stated that none of the children were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
The 6-year-old passenger was taken to a local hospital and died from their injuries. The 12- and 10-year-old children were reported to be in critical condition, while the 4-year-old involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, according to The Olympian.
The APD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for information about the incident on Sunday, June 21.
Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion issued a statement to the media, thanking the Alexandria Fire Department and first responders for their “tireless efforts” to save the children.
“Whenever someone is injured or killed, it breaks our hearts. Gremillion stated, “I personally witnessed the tireless efforts of the first responders from the Alexandria Fire Department and Pafford Ambulance, as well as the emergency staff at Rapides Regional ER—they gave everything they had.”
“The Alexandria Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of the child who lost their life and sends thoughts and prayers to the injured children and their loved ones during this difficult time,” according to Gremillion.
The police chief also warned against riding ATVs on city streets, stating that it is illegal. According to Louisiana law, four-wheelers may only be used “on the shoulders of certain public roads and highways.”
“Let me be clear: riding an ATV on city streets is illegal and a recipe for disaster,” Gremillion wrote in his statement. “These vehicles are not intended for road use, and the consequences can be tragic. I beg our community to stop putting innocent lives in danger.”
Police did not release any additional information about the incident. The Olympian reports that the investigation into what happened is still ongoing.
