BREAKING: boy (9) dies following bike crash in Ballymena
Last updated 17th Jun 2022
A nine-year old boy has died after a scrambler bike accident in Ballymena.
Police say there was a "a two-vehicle" collision in the Dunclug area of the Co Antrim town.
The boy passed away in hospital as a result of his injuries after a collision between two bikes which happened around 4.55pm yesterday (Thursday).
A second boy (13) was taken to hospital and is understood to be in a critical condition.
In a statement, the PSNI said: "A full investigation is underway and Detective Sergeant Neil Harrison is appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has mobile phone footage which could assist officers with their enquiries, is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1342 of 16/06/22."
And in a statement, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it responded to a 999 call at 4.47pm.
"NIAS despatched three emergency crews and a doctor to the scene and also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance, with HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) crew on board, to the incident.
"Following assessment and initial treatment one child was flown by Air Ambulance to the Royal Group of Hospitals in Belfast while the other was taken to the same location by ambulance."
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said he was devastated to hear that one of the children had passed away.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news that a young boy has passed away following yesterday evenings incident and I wish to offer my condolences to his family.
“My thoughts and prayers are with both families and I ask that they are given the space they need at this very difficult time.
“I would like to thank the emergency services and in particular the Air Ambulance for their quick response to this incident and for getting the children the medical assistance needed.”