A back-over accident in Oklahoma left a one-year-old baby dead and a two-year-old toddler fighting for her life after a pickup truck backed up into them while they were playing in a driveway. The accident occurred when 63-year-old Scott Barr inadvertently ran over the two young children while reversing his 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that the incident took place around 5 pm on Monday, April 24, approximately two miles south of Cleora in Delaware County. State troopers and emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly and transported the severely injured children to nearby hospitals.
Sadly, the one-year-old girl did not survive her head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at St. Francis Hospital in Vinita. The two-year-old was said to be in critical condition at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, suffering from internal injuries.
Due to the children’s ages, the police have not released their identities. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic accident. It is currently unclear whether Barr, who is from Afton, is related to the young victims.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet revealed additional details about the case, including whether they plan to arrest and charge Barr in connection with the death of the one-year-old girl.
Annually, thousands of children face fatal or severe injuries because drivers reversing their vehicles fail to see them.
In the US, at least 50 children are backed over by vehicles every week. The majority of victims are one-year-olds. Over 60% of back-over incidents involve a larger-sized vehicle, such as a truck, van, or SUV.
Sadly, in more than 70% of these cases, a parent or close relative is the one driving the vehicle.
