by Ceres, California – A 16-year-old boy was taken to the hospital with major injuries after falling from a pickup truck in the parking lot of an elementary school on Saturday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Crash Reported at Hidahl Elementary School
CHP officers responded to a report of a traffic crash at Hidahl Elementary School in Ceres. When authorities arrived, they found a GMC pickup truck parked inside the school’s parking lot.
Nearby, a 16-year-old boy was lying on the ground with serious injuries, CHP said. Emergency crews transported him to Doctors Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured.
CHP Says Teen Was Driving Pickup
According to investigators, evidence at the scene indicates that the injured teen had been driving a 1999 GMC pickup truck within the school parking lot. Another 16-year-old boy was seated on the truck’s lowered tailgate at the time of the incident.
CHP reported that the driver accelerated the vehicle, causing the teen riding on the tailgate to fall onto the asphalt surface of the parking lot, resulting in major injuries.
Alcohol and Drugs Not a Factor
CHP officials said there is no indication that alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
In a statement, CHP reiterated its role in protecting the public, saying the agency’s mission is “to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not released additional details regarding possible citations or charges. CHP continues to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The information in this report was provided by the California Highway Patrol, which responded to the scene and conducted the initial investigation.
