Boy, 11, killed in ATV accident in Pasadena

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- A young boy was killed and his uncle injured in an ATV accident Monday, Pasadena police said.

It happened as the 11-year-old was driving the ATV with his uncle on the back Monday morning in the 600 block of Scott Street. Authorities say the child ran over a small bump and lost control. They ran into a fence and flew off the ATV, crashing into nearby trees.

Neighbors rushed to help the victims and say the child's injuries looked severe.

"It was something unrealistic, there was so much blood coming out I didn't know what to think of it," one neighbor said.

The neighbor says neither victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

It probably could have helped him if he had the helmet; that's my only advice," she said. "It helps us as parents to be more cautious with our kids, you know safety first."

Police preformed CPR on the boy before he was taken to Bayshore Hospital, but the 11-year-old did not survive his injuries. The uncle also was injured, but he's expected to survive.

Pasadena police spokesman Vance Mitchell say a child that young never should have been driving the All-Terrain Vehicle.

"They can be very dangerous and they specify not to let anyone under 16 years of age drive one of these things. Secondly it's a piece of heavy equipment, you need to control it. You need some lessons how to use it and tips they will give you. It's very well spelled out in the owners manuals things you should do," Mitchell said.

One of those safety tips is to always wear a helmet.