2-year-old Indiana boy 'critically injured' after being run over by lawnmower his grandfather was riding
A two-year-old boy sustained critical injuries after running towards his grandfather and accidentally coming under a moving lawnmower.
William Waltermire was mowing the lawn of his home in Commiskey, Indiana, on Saturday when his grandson, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, ran towards him, Metro reports.
The incident happened around 1 pm in the 3600 block of Grayford Road in Vernon Township when the grandmother was reportedly chasing the kid, per the Indianapolis Star.
At the time, Waltermire was reversing the ride-on mower. However, he did not realize the toddler was running towards him.
According to Jennings County Sheriff's Office, the youngster subsequently slipped and fell under the mower.
Waltermire and his wife Beverly immediately rushed to the sheriff's office, which is located nearby the Jennings County EMS, to request an ambulance.
"According to statements given by them, they stated that William was mowing the yard at (their home)," a spokesman explained. "The 2-year-old ran towards his grandfather as the grandmother gave chase after him. As the grandfather was backing, the 2-year-old fell and went under the mower while it was mowing."
The grandparents subsequently met with first responders who rushed the grandson to St Vincent Jennings Hospital and then flew him to Riley Hospital for further treatment.
"He was shortly flown from the hospital to Riley Hospital for serious injuries," he continued. "Deputies are still investigating and thus far calling it a terrible accident. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."
We are yet to receive further updates of the two-year-old's condition.
Meanwhile, the Jennings County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a "terrible accident," saying they are continuing to investigate the mishap.
"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. We would like to thank Rescue 20 and St. Vincent-Jennings Hospital Staff as well as officers from the North Vernon Police Department for their efforts," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
This is a developing story.
