The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle crash that killed a seven-year-old boy in Boulder County last night.
At 9:22 p.m., a 1996 Ford Explorer was traveling southbound on Highway 119, approaching a red light at the intersection of Highway 52. The Ford traveled through the red light and into the intersection before swerving to avoid crossing traffic on Highway 52. Although it did not collide with any other vehicles, the Ford rolled onto its left side.
A seven-year-old boy, whose identity will be released by the Boulder County coroner, was riding in the Ford's cargo area and was partially ejected during the rollover; he was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at Boulder Community Hospital.
The Ford's driver, 41-year-old Manual Nunez-Luna of Longmont, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. His passengers--37-year-old Yadira Silva, 19-year-old Mary Cruz-Lopez, and four additional children aged 5 through 15, all from Longmont--sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.
The passengers' seatbelt use is under investigation, although at least two of the children, including the fatally injured boy, were not restrained.
Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. Nunez-Luna was arrested briefly and released. Charges are pending.
The Colorado State Patrol reminds motorists that all children must be restrained properly in car seats, booster seats, or seatbelts--depending upon their ages--when riding in a motor vehicle. Visit coloradocarseats.com to learn more about child-restraint laws and resources in Colorado.
Seatbelts save lives.
At 9:22 p.m., a 1996 Ford Explorer was traveling southbound on Highway 119, approaching a red light at the intersection of Highway 52. The Ford traveled through the red light and into the intersection before swerving to avoid crossing traffic on Highway 52. Although it did not collide with any other vehicles, the Ford rolled onto its left side.
A seven-year-old boy, whose identity will be released by the Boulder County coroner, was riding in the Ford's cargo area and was partially ejected during the rollover; he was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at Boulder Community Hospital.
The Ford's driver, 41-year-old Manual Nunez-Luna of Longmont, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. His passengers--37-year-old Yadira Silva, 19-year-old Mary Cruz-Lopez, and four additional children aged 5 through 15, all from Longmont--sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.
The passengers' seatbelt use is under investigation, although at least two of the children, including the fatally injured boy, were not restrained.
Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. Nunez-Luna was arrested briefly and released. Charges are pending.
The Colorado State Patrol reminds motorists that all children must be restrained properly in car seats, booster seats, or seatbelts--depending upon their ages--when riding in a motor vehicle. Visit coloradocarseats.com to learn more about child-restraint laws and resources in Colorado.
Seatbelts save lives.
