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Tractor-trailer runs over girl riding bicycle

By Hector Gutierrez, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 18, 2008 at 11 p.m.

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A 9-year-old girl was in critical condition Friday night after she was run over by a tractor-trailer in the Chaffee Park neighborhood.

The youngster suffered major head injuries and was being treated at Denver Health Medical Center, Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said. The child was not identified, but Jackson said police think that she lived in Chaffee Park, and that her mother was with her at the hospital.

Witnesses told traffic detectives that the girl was riding her bicycle in the 4500 block of Lipan Street along the Quigg Newton homes about 4:30 p.m. The driver of the tractor-trailer was heading southbound, the spokesman said.

The victim appeared to swerve into the trailer and under it as she was riding alongside, according to Jackson. She then was run over by the two large wheels in the back of the trailer, Jackson said.

Witnesses who saw the accident raced to flag down the driver who told detectives he was unaware that his trailer had struck anyone until the witnesses stopped him.

"When it was pointed out to him, he stopped immediately," Jackson said. "He's been cooperative."

Comments

  • April 19, 2008

    3:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    happymike44 writes:

    I only have one thing to point out where were this little girls parents.This is tragic and now this little girl will be lucky if she recovers from this.I hope this child gets the help she deserves.The poor truck driver will have to deal with this for the rest of his life.Hope they both recover from this.

  • April 19, 2008

    7:58 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    bilco writes:

    Hey Happy Mike...what kind of comment was that? "Where were this little girls parents?"
    I'm 60 years old, grew up in Denver and was on my bicycle 24/7 when I was growing up, cruising through my neighborhood along with all the other kids. My parents were usually working, or maybe mom was home making dinner. Are you suggesting any nine year old has to have their parents with them to ride a bike? Give me a break!

  • April 19, 2008

    8:24 a.m.

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    vudumom writes:

    Usually you don't see tractor trailers on residential streets.If this was a busy street I think Mike has asked a good question. My thoughts and prayers are with the little girl and her family.

  • April 19, 2008

    1:09 p.m.

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    Danimal writes:

    This is actually an industrial area with houses around it so there are trucks all over the place there. I was a local driver here for years so I was in that area a lot. I wish them both well and Hope they both make it through it.

  • April 19, 2008

    5:45 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    happymike44 writes:

    I am the uncle of fifthteen nieces and nephews.While in my care it was often because my sisters and brothers worked and I went to school.No one was allowed in the front yard without me there to watch period.I have taken care of kids and have worked in the child care industry.So when I ask that question it is in a professional manner.My kids that I was paid to watch over were mine.If something happened I did not want to live with the fact if it did.So here are some rules for todays busy parent. Let your kids play in the safety of the backyard.Then install a lock they can not open on all gates.In and out of the property and all exits.This is so they have to pass through the house and you see them.Then you know they will truly be safe.Because no one should live with the tragedy that unfolded for these two people.Remember safety is always first.Parents please be careful all it takes is a couple of minutes for something awful to happen.

  • April 20, 2008

    7:58 a.m.

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    vudumom writes:

    If this is an industrial area like the poster says above, then maybe the girl should not have been riding by herself.
    Bilco, We can all think about the good ole days. However those days are clearly gone.

  • April 20, 2008

    8:05 a.m.

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    Mike_In_Hartsel writes:

    The HEADLINE makes it sound like the tractor trailer driver was speeding down a residental street. We don't find out it was the fault of the little girl until the end of the article. Why? Sensationalism, perhaps?

  • April 20, 2008

    8:08 a.m.

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    tmsloan writes:

    Great idea Happymike44. Lets create more braindead kids who are afraid of everything and lead overprotective lives and never develop the ability to think for themselves. If they get hurt so be it. Most times we can fix it. If they die that would be unfortunate. But better to die living life to the fullest than dying from a life without fun, adventure, and exploration.

  • April 20, 2008

    11:47 a.m.

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    seeingeyeseesall writes:

    tmsloan:

    AMEN.

    Life involves risk as well as reward. I was run over by a car while riding a bike when I was 9. My parents were several miles away. I lived, nobody suggested that my folks were somehow negligent, and I was back on a new bike as soon as I'd recovered.

    I hope this child has a similar experience to mine, and wish her well .

  • April 20, 2008

    12:04 p.m.

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    happymike44 writes:

    To TMSLOAN
    My nephew died in a accident like this.He was 24 and had his whole life in front of him.He was a competition cyclist and on his way home.He was struck and killed by a pick up truck driver.He will never have a family,never get married,never come to see me again.We all miss him very much,I helped raise him and miss him everyday of my life.It has only been a year since it happened.We all wish we could have been there to comfort him in his last minutes on earth.So as for your carefree attitude just let them loose to roam the street like loose cattle.Well I am sorry but I do not agree with that attitude.Children need to be taught safety and restraint to not throw yourself off a cliff without thinking what might happen next.Look at how many snowboarders who die because I did it before and nothing bad happened.But they do not understand it takes just the wrong time and boom your either killed or disabled.Your mistakes can lead to your being severly disabled or killed.Just call me someone who knows what it feels like to lose someone to a stupid mistake.Also there is nothing that can be done to undo it.