A student from Patriot Oaks Academy is in critical condition following a motorbike accident, with authorities currently investigating the incident’s cause.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A young student from St. Johns County was rushed to a nearby hospital after being involved in a motorized bike accident.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 3:30 p.m. to a crash scene involving a vehicle and a motorized bike near Patriot Oaks Academy on Long Leaf Pine Parkway. The bike involved in the accident is described as a “99cc gas-powered mini dirt bike.”
A representative from the St. Johns County School District confirmed to First Coast News that the injured child is a 12-year-old student attending the academy.
The school sent the following communication to parents:
“We appreciate everyone’s care, well wishes, and attention to our school community. As many of you are aware, there was an accident in front of the school at the end of the day. We do not have any additional information to share. We ask that you and your families continue to support one another and remain united as a community.”
The district also said tonight’s basketball game versus Trout Creek was canceled.
We spoke with a classmate who saw the aftermath.
“It was tragic really,” Sophia Zapata said. “I could see everything in front of my eyes of what happened here. You know, it was just really hard to watch, since I knew who got hit. It was just really tragic to watch. I can tell you he’s a really nice kid. I talked to him a lot.”
Officials with the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office report that amid the crash, the child is said to have been wearing a helmet.
According to SJSO, all lanes of Long Leaf Pine Parkway surrounding Patriot Oaks Academy had been shut down. It is now reopened.
Officials say the cause of the crash is currently still under investigation.
For now, classmates, neighbors and the community are praying.
“The least we could do is just send prayers,” Zapata said.
This is a developing story.
