Tragic Collision: Two Teens Airlifted After ATV Crash in West Milford

In a harrowing incident, two teenagers were seriously injured when their all-terrain vehicle (ATV) collided with an oncoming car in West Milford, Passaic County, on Tuesday evening. The crash occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on Highlander Avenue, leaving the young riders in critical condition and prompting a swift emergency response.

Powerful Collision Sends Teens to the Hospital

Collision on Highlander Avenue

The accident took place on Highlander Avenue in West Milford, where the 14-year-old driver of the ATV crossed the center lane into oncoming traffic. The ATV then collided with a southbound car, driven by an 18-year-old West Milford resident, and both vehicles were sent off the road and into the nearby woods.The impact of the collision was severe, with the car sustaining significant front-end damage and its airbags deploying. The two teenage ATV riders, aged 14 and 15, were found nearby with serious injuries. West Milford police officers immediately applied tourniquets and provided other crucial first aid measures to the injured teens before they were airlifted to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson.

Injuries and Emergency Response

The driver of the car and their 15-year-old passenger were treated for minor injuries at the scene. However, the conditions of the two ATV riders remained unclear as of Thursday morning. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the crash to contact the West Milford Police Department at 973-728-2800.The swift and coordinated emergency response from the West Milford police and other first responders likely played a crucial role in stabilizing the injured teens and ensuring they received prompt medical attention. The airlifting of the ATV riders to a specialized trauma center underscores the severity of their injuries and the need for immediate, specialized care.

Investigating the Causes

Investigators will now work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision, including the actions and decisions of the ATV driver, the car driver, and any other contributing factors. This analysis will be crucial in understanding how the accident occurred and identifying potential safety improvements or educational initiatives that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.The tragic nature of this event, with two young lives hanging in the balance, serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible and safe operation of ATVs and the need for heightened awareness and caution on the roads, especially in areas where these vehicles may be present. As the investigation unfolds, the community will undoubtedly come together to support the affected families and explore ways to enhance safety measures and prevent such devastating accidents from occurring again.