WELLS CO. – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that occurred in Wells County yesterday.
Shortly after 12:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of County Road 800 N and 600 W in rural Wells County for an ORV accident with injuries.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 13-year-old juvenile was operating a side-by-side ORV eastbound on C.R. 800 N while using a cellphone when she lost control of the ORV, causing it to roll multiple times and ejecting her from it. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet or other protective riding gear or using safety restraints.
The juvenile was transported by Wells County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne in serious condition.
Conservation officers were also assisted by the Wells County Sheriff’s Department and the Markle Fire Department.
Indiana Conservation Officers remind the public that a cell phone should never be used while operating an ORV, and a valid driver’s license is required to operate an ORV on public roadways in counties where such use is permitted. ORV operators and passengers should always wear a helmet, and protective riding gear, and use all ORV safety restraints.
For information on ORV laws and safe operating procedures, please visit offroad-ed.com/in/handbook/ and on.IN.gov/offroading.
