Santa Fe Police are investigating a head-on ATV crash involving three juveniles that left two children with severe head injuries. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at approximately 5 p.m., prompting an initial traffic stop on a speeding vehicle along NM599 before officers traced the emergency to an open field near Tierra Hermosa Court.
Speeding Traffic Stop Leads Police to Crash Scene
Officers pulled over a speeding vehicle on NM599 on Sunday evening after the driver reported they were rushing to an ATV crash involving family members. Upon arriving at the scene in an open field near Tierra Hermosa Court, Santa Fe Police Department personnel found that two all-terrain vehicles had collided head-on.
Investigators from the department’s Traffic Section and Crime Scene Unit responded to document the site and examine the wreckage. The preliminary investigation indicates that none of the drivers appeared to be wearing helmets or safety equipment at the time of the impact.
Hospital Transfers for Injured Children
Emergency responders transported all three child victims to a local hospital for immediate medical evaluation.
- 11-year-old boy: Transferred to UNMH and is suspected of having a traumatic brain injury.
- 13-year-old girl: Transferred to UNMH with suspected life-threatening head injuries.
- 16-year-old girl: Treated at the local hospital after complaining of abdominal pain.
Investigators determined that prior to the head-on collision between the two ATVs, the girl was riding as a passenger and dismounted from one of the vehicles, suffering a fall injury.
Active Investigation into the Collision
Authorities have notified the parents of all three children involved in the incident. Crash investigators are continuing to review the sequence of events leading up to the impact in the Tierra Hermosa Court field. The investigation remains active, and police have not released additional details regarding ownership of the ATVs or factors contributing to the collision.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Santa Fe ATV Crash
What ages are the children involved in the crash?
The three juveniles range in age from 11 to 16 years old. The group includes an 11-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old girl.
Were the children wearing protective gear?
Preliminary findings from the Santa Fe Police Department indicate that none of the drivers appeared to be wearing helmets or other safety equipment during the incident.
Where did the crash take place?
The collision occurred in an open field located near Tierra Hermosa Court. Police first became aware of the situation after conducting a traffic stop on NM599 involving a vehicle whose driver stated they were heading to the crash.
Keep reading