Elgin County OPP say a nine-year-old boy is in critical condition after an ATV crash near Aylmer on Monday evening.
Emergency responders were called for a crash that occurred just after 8:30 p.m. on private property in Malahide Township.
Police say a six-year-old girl was driving the ATV with four other children on board, all boys, ages two, four and a pair of nine-year-olds.
She reportedly lost control while trying to turn a corner and collided with two pine trees, trapping one of the nine-year-olds between the ATV and a tree.
Family members, who police say were on the other side of the residence at a family function, heard the collision and ran over to help free the boy, who was unconscious.
According to officials, the boy was airlifted to hospital in critical condition and remains on life support in intensive care. No other children were injured.
OPP Insp. Brad Fishleigh said in a statement, "ATVs are powerful vehicles, not toys for children. ATVs must be operated by trained and skilled operators. The lack of safety gear (helmets) and the fact that there were five children on board ranging from ages two to nine is a great cause for concern.”
Police say their investigation continues and charges are pending.
