12-Year-Old Girl Goes Airborne and Lands on Road After Crashing Jet Ski into Causeway

12-YEAR-OLD AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER JET SKI CRASH

A 12-year-old girl was involved in a dramatic incident when the jet ski she was operating crashed into a causeway in Alabama. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported that the young girl, who remains unidentified, was riding a 2024 Sea-Doo 300 when the accident occurred on Wake Robin Road at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 31. According to a statement from the agency obtained by PEOPLE, the girl was towing another 12-year-old on a knee board, who fortunately escaped unscathed after letting go of the rope before the crash.

After colliding with the causeway on Lake Martin, the 12-year-old girl was launched into the air before landing on the road below. She was subsequently airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment by helicopter. Officials later revealed that the jet ski was registered to Jennifer F. Hartsfield, a 43-year-old from Alexander City. Hartsfield was issued an Alabama Uniform Boating Traffic Citation for allowing the operation of a vessel without a license. It remains unclear the relationship between Hartsfield and the two 12-year-old girls involved in the incident as she did not respond to requests for comments from PEOPLE.

Local witnesses who rushed to assist the injured girl reported that she had sustained a severe leg injury, with one witness describing a deep gash on her leg. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reiterated that individuals under the age of 12 are prohibited from operating motorized watercraft on Alabama waterways without supervision. While 12-year-olds can apply for a vessel operator’s license, they are not permitted to operate vessels alone until they reach 14 years of age. Furthermore, young operators aged 12 or 13 can only operate a vessel if a person 21 years old or older with a valid operator’s license is present onboard to take immediate control of the vessel if needed.

The investigation into the jet ski crash is ongoing as authorities continue to gather information about the circumstances leading up to the accident. The community is reminded of the importance of water safety regulations to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

In related news, incidents involving watercraft and recreational activities have been a cause for concern, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures to protect individuals, especially children, while enjoying water-based activities. The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with operating motorized water vehicles, stressing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and regulations to prevent accidents and injuries.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will work to determine the events that led to the jet ski crash, shedding light on the factors contributing to the unfortunate incident. The community is urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety when engaging in water sports and activities, especially when minors are involved. The welfare and protection of individuals, particularly young individuals, should be paramount, underscoring the significance of upholding safety protocols to prevent potential harm and accidents on the water.