NORTHGLENN, CO - In a recent car crash near Commerce City, a 14-year-old driver caused a severe accident, leaving six people injured. Northglenn police officer Cameron Woods, who has been on the department for four years, responded to the incident and played a critical role in saving the teen involved in the crash.
Last Tuesday, the 14-year-old driver, accompanied by three friends, collided with a guardrail and then head-on with a minivan carrying a mother and her daughter. The impact was significant, causing the teen's car to end up in a creek.
"The road is a crazy place. You need to be paying attention at all times," said Officer Woods.
Officer Woods and his partner discovered the accident while attending another case. Woods observed an off-duty firefighter in the water with the 14-year-old, who had been thrown into the creek. Acting swiftly, Woods entered the water, assisted in lifting the teen out, and remained with him until the fire department arrived.
Woods stated that when they arrived at the scene, the crash had occurred only 20 to 30 seconds earlier.
"My first instinct was just to go straight over there," Woods said. "I climbed over the car, got into the water, and we were able to lift the child out of the water and we stayed with him till the fire department arrived and we were able to get him over on to the road again, and then they were able to transport and do everything they needed to do."
The four boys in the speeding car were ejected, revealing they were not wearing seatbelts. The 14-year-old driver sustained severe injuries and is currently in critical condition. The minivan passengers, a mother, and her daughter, also suffered serious injuries.
Officer Woods emphasized the importance of staying alert on the roads, highlighting that accidents can happen to anyone, and awareness can help prevent disasters.
Emergency teams, including Brighton Fire Rescue, South Adams Fire Department, City of Thornton Fire Department, Platte Valley Ambulance Services, and Federal Heights Fire Department, collaborated to rescue and treat the injured.
Commerce City police reported that everyone involved is expected to survive. Initial findings indicated that the boys in the speeding car were traveling above the 45-mph speed limit, leading to the collision with the guardrail and subsequent head-on crash with the minivan.
The Public Information Officer, Joanna Small, stressed the significance of wearing seatbelts, given that all four boys were ejected from the car. The severity of the 14-year-old driver's injuries highlighted the potential dangers of not adhering to basic safety measures while driving.
Brighton Fire Rescue, South Adams Fire Department, City of Thornton Fire Department, Platte Valley Ambulance Services, and Federal Heights Fire Department worked alongside Commerce City Police to manage the aftermath of the crash, ensuring a rapid response, effective rescue operations, and timely transportation of the injured to local hospitals.
According to the Commerce City Police statement, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible driving, particularly among young and inexperienced drivers. Officer Woods' emphasis on attentiveness to the road underscores the necessity for vigilance to prevent accidents and mitigate their impact.
In addressing the instincts and training that are pivotal in enabling rapid decision-making for first responders, Officer Woods emphasized the importance of taking immediate action during critical moments.
He articulated, "Commence assistance promptly. Identify tasks or individuals in need of help. Fundamentally, a significant aspect of our training is centered on prioritizing the well-being of others as a primary concern. Any potential risks that may arise are considered part of the commitment we've undertaken to aid others, placing their needs above our own."
Last Tuesday, the 14-year-old driver, accompanied by three friends, collided with a guardrail and then head-on with a minivan carrying a mother and her daughter. The impact was significant, causing the teen's car to end up in a creek.
"The road is a crazy place. You need to be paying attention at all times," said Officer Woods.
Officer Woods and his partner discovered the accident while attending another case. Woods observed an off-duty firefighter in the water with the 14-year-old, who had been thrown into the creek. Acting swiftly, Woods entered the water, assisted in lifting the teen out, and remained with him until the fire department arrived.
Woods stated that when they arrived at the scene, the crash had occurred only 20 to 30 seconds earlier.
"My first instinct was just to go straight over there," Woods said. "I climbed over the car, got into the water, and we were able to lift the child out of the water and we stayed with him till the fire department arrived and we were able to get him over on to the road again, and then they were able to transport and do everything they needed to do."
The four boys in the speeding car were ejected, revealing they were not wearing seatbelts. The 14-year-old driver sustained severe injuries and is currently in critical condition. The minivan passengers, a mother, and her daughter, also suffered serious injuries.
Officer Woods emphasized the importance of staying alert on the roads, highlighting that accidents can happen to anyone, and awareness can help prevent disasters.
Emergency teams, including Brighton Fire Rescue, South Adams Fire Department, City of Thornton Fire Department, Platte Valley Ambulance Services, and Federal Heights Fire Department, collaborated to rescue and treat the injured.
Commerce City police reported that everyone involved is expected to survive. Initial findings indicated that the boys in the speeding car were traveling above the 45-mph speed limit, leading to the collision with the guardrail and subsequent head-on crash with the minivan.
The Public Information Officer, Joanna Small, stressed the significance of wearing seatbelts, given that all four boys were ejected from the car. The severity of the 14-year-old driver's injuries highlighted the potential dangers of not adhering to basic safety measures while driving.
Brighton Fire Rescue, South Adams Fire Department, City of Thornton Fire Department, Platte Valley Ambulance Services, and Federal Heights Fire Department worked alongside Commerce City Police to manage the aftermath of the crash, ensuring a rapid response, effective rescue operations, and timely transportation of the injured to local hospitals.
According to the Commerce City Police statement, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible driving, particularly among young and inexperienced drivers. Officer Woods' emphasis on attentiveness to the road underscores the necessity for vigilance to prevent accidents and mitigate their impact.
In addressing the instincts and training that are pivotal in enabling rapid decision-making for first responders, Officer Woods emphasized the importance of taking immediate action during critical moments.
He articulated, "Commence assistance promptly. Identify tasks or individuals in need of help. Fundamentally, a significant aspect of our training is centered on prioritizing the well-being of others as a primary concern. Any potential risks that may arise are considered part of the commitment we've undertaken to aid others, placing their needs above our own."
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Comments
2024-03-13T23:49-0500 | Comment by: Sheila
I live here in Northglenn Colorado and this just keeps happening. A few years ago, a young lady, 14, I think lost her life on Riverdale Rd. She also was underage with a car full of others. She died on scene!