Boy, 12, killed in ATV crash near Monticello
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A 12-year-old boy has died after an ATV crash northwest of the Twin Cities.
The Wright County Sheriff's Office says it was called to 1383 120th ST NE in Monticello Township at 6:37 p.m. Thursday on report of the crash.
Paramedics responding to the scene performed lifesaving measures on the 12-year-old boy who was driving the ATV when it crashed.
The boy was taken to Centra Care Emergency, where he was pronounced dead.
"The preliminary investigation into the incident shows that the 12-year-old male was operating the ATV on private property and was the only occupant of the machine at the time of the crash," the sheriff's office said.
ATV crashes have killed more than 15,000 people since the early 80s, with more than one in five of those deaths suffered by children under 16.
A Reuters report from 2010 found that the vehicles are more deadly than motorcycles, with the American College of Surgeons reporting that ATV riders fare much worse in crashes than motorcycle riders — even when they're wearing helmets.
Nonetheless, there are steps you can take to ensure a safer ride for you or a child, a number of which can be found right here.
