When most people think about the 4th of July holiday, fireworks are likely the first thing that comes to mind. Before that event however, many Pennsylvania residents take part in other special holiday activities with friends and family, such as parades. Sadly, a parade that took place in another state ended tragically when a young boy participating in the parade was run over by one of the floats. The trailer that ran over the 8-year-old was being pulled by a vehicle in which his father was an occupant.

Following the incident, the boy’s father, as well as a nurse, immediately tended to the boy. They performed CPR on the child until emergency crews arrived. Though he was transported to an area hospital for treatment, there was apparently nothing they could do and he died.

What exactly happened is being worked out. Initial reports indicate that the boy was initially on the decorated trailer when something caused him to either jump or fall onto the road. When this happened, he apparently fell into the path of the trailer, leading to the accident.

Many of the fatal car accidents we write about on this blog involve vehicles that are travelling at rates of speed that are too fast for the conditions or in a reckless manner. While speed can clearly contribute to such incidents, as this tragic accident illustrates, it is only one factor. This event serves as a sad reminder of how dangerous all motor vehicles can be, particularly when it comes to pedestrians.

Source: CNN, “Trailer pulled by father accidentally kills boy at Oklahoma July 4 parade,” Mayra Cuevas and Greg Botelho, July 5, 2013