Single-tricycle crash injures one

Peoria - A single-tricycle crash at Bicycle Safety Town this morning resulted in the injury of a young child and caused traffic backups of over three minutes on the mini streets. Onlookers described the crash as "horrific" and asked where the hell the mother was when this happened. The mother is being questioned, but early reports indicate she is blaming poor road conditions for the crash. She did not witness the accident, but said she turned around from tending to her other child as soon as she heard the screaming and crying behind her.

The boy, 3, of Chicago was listed in stable condition. His injuries included two scraped knees, an elbow and fingers. The brand-new Thomas the Tank Engine helmet he wore may have saved his life.

Witnesses said the boy did not have brakes on his tricycle and had never ridden it on anything but a flat surface prior to the incident. He was unfamiliar with the terrain, which might have contributed to the crash. Authorities said he did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, although preliminary tests revealed he was served several glasses of milk before getting behind the wheel. Complete toxicology results will not be available for 10 days.

"One minute he was riding up the hill with a huge smile on his face yelling, 'I'm doing it! I'm doing it!' and the next he was careening down the slope with a look of terror on his face," said one witness.

Several mothers picnicking nearby rushed to extricate the victim from the wreckage and offered first aid. The boy's mother was spotted quickly walking to the scene, dragging a young girl by the arm and begging the child to walk faster as she could not lift her due to pregnancy complications. The boy's grandmother was on the scene within seconds and administered kisses and hugs. Several witnesses donated water, Bactine, bandages and feel-good animal cookies while the mother assessed the damage.

Onlookers are questioning the mother's fitness as a parent after she was spotted snapping photos of her injured child. She said "I needed them, you know, for material for my blawwwg." It is not known if she will face charges of poor taste at this time.

The boy was resting comfortably at home after the accident, although family members said he was moaning in pain while watching "Dora the Explorer" videos on the couch. His injuries were made worse later that evening when his father ripped part of his skin off when removing a Band-aid at bathtime. The use of antiseptic spray then caused the boy to jump off the bathroom counter and scream in pain, although a large Band-aid and some numbing gel appear to have soothed the situation.


The victim, minutes before the crash.


The crash scene, note the slope and curve at the bottom.


The victim, immediately after the crash.


Injuries were not life-threatening, but the wounds bled profusely.


Despite his injuries, the victim insisted on driving himself home.


Minutes later, the victim acted as if nothing had happened. He is being checked for amnesia.