A vehicle struck a 10-year-old riding an e-bike in the Pine Mill Ranch subdivision near Katy on Thursday, Sept. 10. The child was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital with serious injuries.
The crash happened just after 5:15 p.m. near the intersection of Rosener Road and Elk Ridge, according to Fox 26 Houston, citing the Willowfork Fire Department and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.
The child's injuries required transport by medical helicopter, ABC13 reported. The Sheriff's Office confirmed the child's age. Officials have not released the child's name.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, according to the Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable's Office. Authorities have not released details about the vehicle or described how the crash occurred, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Willowfork Fire Department responded to the scene. The department, based in Katy at 2700 Spring Green Blvd., serves the Pine Mill Ranch area as Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2. In a social media post after the crash, the department urged residents to practice bicycle safety and always wear a helmet when riding.
E-bikes have grown increasingly popular among children in fast-growing Fort Bend County subdivisions, and Texas law does not require riders under 18 to wear helmets on e-bikes classified as bicycles. Officials have not said whether the child wore a helmet at the time of the crash.
Residents with information about the crash can contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office at 281-341-4665.
