A 12-year-old youth sustained serious injuries after the dirt bike they were riding collided with a sports utility vehicle on Highway 17 in the Whitewater Region. The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Monday, May 4, at the intersection of Highway 17 and the Algonquin Trail crossing.
The Ontario Provincial Police reported that the youth was crossing the highway on a dirt bike, accompanied by a parent who was riding another dirt bike with a different youth. The dirt bike was struck by a westbound SUV.
Emergency services responded promptly. The injured youth was initially transported by land ambulance to a local hospital before being airlifted by Air Ornge to an Ottawa hospital. According to police, the 12-year-old's injuries were later determined to be serious but not life-threatening. The driver of the SUV and a passenger were unharmed.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment is leading the investigation. Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or possesses relevant dash cam footage to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 613-732-3332 or Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online at www.valleytips.ca.
Whitewater Region is situated approximately 125 kilometres northwest of Ottawa. The OPP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
