
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. - A 14-year-old boy was flown to the hospital after he got into an accident at Juniper Dunes.
The Franklin County Fire Chief Les Litzenberger thinks the area might be busier now that federal officials have expanded the area where the public is allowed to ride their ATV's, motorcycles and dirt bikes in Juniper Dunes.
Litzenberger said the Juniper Dunes have been open for less then a week and there have been lots of visitors, but Saturday afternoon a young boy had a serious accident and had to be picked up by MedStar and flown to a nearby hospital.
Chris Plourd witnessed the accident and said, "We were there for the whole thing. We helped rescue crews. The kid was riding too fast and didn't see a 19-foot fall. He landed at the bottom and broke his back."
Witness Scot Muskthel said, "Kind of makes you think twice about doing stuff."
ATV Rider Wayne Parker wants to be a professional rider. He said, "I'm always wearing all my riding equipment gear. I just got back from a ride. I have my chest protector, boots, and helmets. You have to pay attention to the terrain too."
Litzenberger warned the public to be prepared when they go to Juniper Dunes and said it is a great place to come out and ride but said there can be problems when riders are not dressed properly.
Plourd said, "What you do when you come out here. You run the danger of getting hurt but that the fun in it, that's the adrenaline rush."
The fire chief said the crowds will continue to increase as the warm months get underway and said Juniper Dunes attracts people from all over the surrounding area.
He encouraged riders to bring a cell phone with them in case they have a problem.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
NEW An apartment building on S. 6th Street had to be evacuated after fire broke out early Thursday morning.
The Washington Department of Transportation has added apps for iPhone and Android users to get up-to-the-minute travel information.
Yakima County may be easing up on gun laws, but the city of Yakima has cracked down on major crime.
Island Camp Campground in Yakima County near Glenwood, northwest of Goldendale, has been closed due to a budget shortfall.
The Yakima Valley is being featured in the September issue of Seattle Met magazine.
The Washington Department of Transportation has added apps for iPhone and Android users to get up-to-the-minute travel information.
Richland police are warning about an on-going check fraud scam.
A young girl is recovering tonight after getting hit by a truck after the last school bell rang.
Graffiti is popping up more and more in one East Kennewick neighborhood.
School administrators throughout the tri-cities already have plans to deal with a significant increase in students.