| Carbon County Deputy Chris Basso marks the spot of where the small crumpled plastic trike landed that Brooklyn Maestas was riding when she was struck by a truck on Aug. 25. |
A Wednesday afternoon truck-tricycle accident seriously hurt a five year old Wellington girl while she was visiting her grandma southwest of Price.
According to Carbon County Sheriff James Cordova, Brooklyn Maestas was driving from one driveway to another on a “big wheel” tricycle when a southbound truck driven by Joe Tomlinson, 49, of Price was traveling south on 530 West at about 1200 South.
“Based on our investigation the little girl just drove right out in front of him,” said the sheriff on Friday. “There was no indication of speeding or negligent driving, she just came out too fast for him to stop. ”
The truck passed over the little girl and the driver was able to stop it about 30 feet beyond where the collision occurred. The first call for emergency crews came into dispatch at 4:15 p.m. and they arrived only a short time later.
At the scene the crew determined the girl had at least two broken legs and other injuries as well. They stabilized her and sent her off to the hospital in a county ambulance. Later that evening, because of her critical condition, she was transported by Life Flight to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake.
“It’s always difficult when someone is injured, but particularly so when a child is involved,” explained the sheriff. “First responders are faced with an emotional and professional challenge when they come upon a scene like this. This group held it together very well. They were completely professional.”
The accident is one of a number this summer involving wheeled cycles.