13-year-old mini bike operator flown to hospital after crash

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A 13-year-old Bellefontaine boy sustained suspected serious injuries Saturday afternoon, Oct. 19 when the motorized mini bike he was operating on the Simon Kenton Bike Trail was struck by a pickup truck at the trail’s Township Road 190 crossing.

The boy was transported by Macochee Joint Ambulance District to the Mary Rutan Hospital helipad and then flown by CareFlight to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus following the crash that occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m., according to preliminary reports from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.

The boy was listed in stable condition at the hospital as of 9:30 a.m. Monday, deputies said.

The bike rider was operating a northbound 2012 Coleman Powersports CT 200U mini bike on the bike trail, when he reportedly failed to yield, traveled onto T.R. 190 and was struck by a westbound 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck. Upon impact, the boy was thrown from the bike.

The truck’s driver, Daniel Irick, 40, and a passenger in his vehicle, Ciara Irick, 38, both of the West Liberty area, were not injured.

The bike appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash, according to a witness statement in the crash report.

Deputies were also assisted by West Liberty Fire and EMS.

Check back for updates.