POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 10-year-old girl died in a crash after a vehicle that was "being ridden by a group of kids" flipped over, according to deputies in Polk County.
The incident happened around 4:45 p.m on Thursday. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said six children were riding a 2022 Polaris Ranger on a grass pasture behind an Alturas home when the driver, a 15-year-old, made a sharp left turn. It caused the vehicle to flip over onto its side and ejected everyone who was on it.
The 10-year-old victim was reportedly pinned underneath the car. Officials said adults at the scene were able to lift the car off of the girl. Two of the adults were nurses and immediately performed CPR.
The girl was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital where she died from "significant injuries," officials said.
No other injuries were reported in the crash.
Evidence suggested that the vehicle, which officials said weighs 2,700 pounds, was operating at a relatively low speed but flipped due to its high center of gravity and the soft dirt.
"This was a horrific accident that occurred while a group of family and friends were having a get-together and enjoying each other's company," Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. "Please keep this child's parents, family, friends, and classmates in your prayers."
