Hudson, Florida — A 10-year-old child was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries after being struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross a busy stretch of State Road 52 in Pasco County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. Friday near Victory Drive in the Bayonet Point area, prompting an emergency response from first responders and state troopers.
Authorities say the child was riding a bicycle when the collision occurred on one of the area’s heavily traveled roadways.
Child Entered Highway From Gas Station Parking Lot
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident began when the bicyclist left the parking lot of a Circle K gas station located along State Road 52 and attempted to cross the highway.
Investigators said a 45-year-old Hudson woman driving a Kia SUV westbound in the center lane was unable to avoid the child after the bicyclist entered the roadway.
The bicycle reportedly traveled directly into the path of the SUV, resulting in an initial collision.
The force of the impact caused the child to be thrown into the roadway, creating a second dangerous situation involving another approaching vehicle.
Second Vehicle Also Struck Child
Troopers said the impact from the first collision launched the child into the path of a Ford F-350 pickup truck driven by a 35-year-old Riverview man, who was traveling westbound in the inside lane of State Road 52.
The pickup truck then struck the child before the bicyclist came to rest on the roadway.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene and provided medical assistance before arranging for the child to be transported by air ambulance to a nearby hospital.
Officials have not released an update on the child’s current condition beyond describing the injuries as serious.
Drivers Uninjured Following Crash
According to investigators, neither of the drivers involved in the incident suffered injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not indicated that either driver is suspected of wrongdoing, and no charges or citations have been announced at this time.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the sequence of events leading up to the collision and roadway conditions at the time.
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Investigation Remains Ongoing
Officials have not publicly identified the injured child or released additional personal information about the drivers involved.
As investigators work to determine exactly how the crash occurred, troopers are expected to review witness statements, physical evidence from the scene, and other relevant details.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers cyclists, especially children, can face when attempting to cross busy roadways with fast-moving traffic.
State Road 52 is a major transportation corridor in Pasco County, carrying a high volume of vehicles throughout the day. Safety experts often encourage both drivers and cyclists to remain alert and exercise extra caution near intersections, driveways, and commercial entrances.
For now, authorities say the investigation remains active as they continue gathering information about the serious crash.
What are your thoughts on bicycle safety near busy highways and commercial areas? Do you believe additional safety measures are needed to help protect young cyclists? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.