Two 13-year-old boys were critically injured after they were riding on an e-motorcycle that was hit by a truck on Telegraph Rd. Monday morning.
According to the Bloomfield Township Police Department, the two boys were proceeding through the crosswalk at southbound Telegraph Rd. near Hickory Grove when they were struck by a Ford F-250 that was traveling south on Telegraph.
“Speaking with witnesses, it’s believed that they (driver of Ford F-250) had a green light heading southbound and they just never saw this E Moto with the two 13-year-olds on it," Lt. Nick Soley with the Bloomfield Twp. Police Dept. said.
Both 13-year-olds were taken to the hospital. One was transported to Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, while another was taken to Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital.
They are both listed in critical condition.
The driver of the truck, a 35-year-old from Rochester Hills, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
Investigators say the teens were riding one e-moto.
"They say that this would have been an e-moto classification and they shouldn’t have been driving with those capabilities," Lt. Soley said.
This has been a message from law enforcement around the area in recent months following several incidents involving e-bikes and e-motos
“It’s no different than a car, it’s dividing your attention and it can be a lot for some of our younger people," Lt. Soley said.
Lt. Soley said the department is working to education the community on the potentially dangerous vehicles.
“Our biggest goal right now is education. And really that education is to the parents right. They’re the ones out buying these bikes," Lt. Soley added.
This tragic incident happened the day before school starts in the Bloomfield area.
A spokesperson for Bloomfield Hills Schools sent 7 News Detroit the following note that was sent to families:
"Dear Bloomfield Hills Schools Community,
We are reaching out to share information about an accident involving two North Hills Middle School eighth-grade students that occurred earlier today near Hickory Grove and Telegraph Road.
The Bloomfield Township Police Department has informed us that the students were riding together on an e-motto type vehicle when they were struck by a Ford F-250 pickup truck. The police department has begun an investigation, which is standard for an incident of this nature.
We can share that the students are currently receiving medical attention. Out of respect for the students and their families, and in accordance with the police department’s procedures, we will not share additional details at this time.
Our principals and district administration have been in communication this afternoon and are working to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place for students and staff at school tomorrow. Our thoughts are with our two students, their siblings, and their families. We are holding them close in our hearts.
If your children need any support as school begins tomorrow, please reach out to your child’s principal. As a school community, we will surround our students, staff, and families with care, compassion, and support during this difficult time."
This crash is still under investigation.
