April 28, 2024
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Boy, 12, injured in off-road vehicle near La Salle

Crash victim flown to Peoria hospital, expected to survive

By Tom Collins
Emergency light

A 12-year-old boy was critically injured when an off-road vehicle overturned Sunday evening on a trail near the junction of Interstates 80 and 39 near La Salle.

A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured when an off-road vehicle overturned Sunday evening on a trail near the junction of Interstates 80 and 39 near La Salle. The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office reported Monday the injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Utica EMS and the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office responded at 7:13 p.m. to 2945 E. Sixth Road. The sheriff’s office said the crash occurred on private property. A front passenger was later taken by helicopter to OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

The remaining juveniles were treated and released at the scene.

Utica Assistant Fire Chief Drew Partain said the vehicle was a Polaris Ranger, a UTV with seating for two. Partain said there is a misperception that a UTV, which has a cab and seat belts, is safer than an all-terrain vehicle. Helmets are needed and were not worn in this case, he said.