MANATEE COUNTY – A juvenile boy riding an e-bike was struck by a vehicle late Friday morning on Manatee Avenue and West Manatee Fire Rescue was among the agencies that responded to the accident scene.
At 12:02 p.m., WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski provided the following initial information: “West Manatee Fire Rescue is on the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving an automobile and an electric bicycle near the area of Flamingo Drive and 107th Court West. Initial reports indicate a male juvenile, approximately 13 years old, was struck while riding an e-bike. The patient reportedly sustained a possible head injury after impacting the vehicle’s windshield and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.”
“Due to the nature of the injuries, a medical helicopter was requested to expedite transport to a trauma center for advanced medical care. WMFR, Manatee County EMS and law enforcement personnel are working together to secure the scene and provide patient care. Eastbound traffic in the area was temporarily shut down during emergency operations. He was in stable condition at transfer. The patient’s current condition has not been released,” Kwiatkowski stated.
Kwiatkowski confirmed that a medical transport helicopter landed behind King Middle School on 75th Street N.W. and the injured boy was airlifted to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.
“West Manatee Fire Rescue reminds all bicyclists and e-bike riders to wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and can save lives,” Kwiatkowski advised.
According to passerby Ernie Vanderwalt, a member of the Florida Highway Patrol was also at the scene and appeared to be investigating the accident involving the e-bike and the maroon Ford SUV.
