Teenage Girl's Arm Amputated In UTV Crash At Keystone Lake, OHP Says

Several teenage girls were involved in a rollover UTV wreck Saturday morning near Keystone Lake. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports six teenage girls were riding on a two-seater Polaris when it overturned around 8:40 a.m.

All six of the girls were injured, one severely hurt. She was taken from the area by medical helicopter. Troopers say that young girl had at least part of her arm amputated. 

Another passenger was admitted to the hospital in serious condition.

The other girls were transported by ambulance to Tulsa area hospitals where they were treated and released for minor injuries. 

One had a neck injury, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol accident investigators at the scene.

The rollover wreck took place at the Keystone Ramp Recreation Area near South 263rd West Avenue.

Troopers say the overloaded utility-terrain vehicle flipped as they drove around the ramp. They don't believe excessive speed was involved.

Authorities told News On 6 when they ran the plates on the UTV, they learned it was stolen in Tulsa. They don't believe the current owner of the vehicle knew it was stolen when he purchased it.

The girls were all ages 13 and 14. They are from Sand Springs and Tulsa. Authorities say one of the girls had a birthday party the night before.

The driver was in apparently normal condition before the wreck.

While the group of youngsters lived through this accident, others hope their tragedy will be an eye opener for everyone.

In seconds, the scenario switched from fun to tragedy.

"These are toys to have fun with, but you gotta be safe,” Bud Jones said.

OHP said that changed when a the girl driving lost control, causing the vehicle to roll over.

“It's a terrible deal it's very terrible when something like that happens,” Jones said.

Jones has been selling and fixing UTVs and ATVs at his shop for nearly 15 years. He says before selling anything he explains why safety should be first.

“Improper use of an ATC can result of a severe injury or death,” Jones said. “That's pretty plain if you can read, there you go."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average each year 568 adults die in similar accidents and144 kids die. The months with the highest amount of accidents are the summer months, May-September.

OHP reports there was one 13 year old and five 14 year olds in the lake collision. When it comes to driving any standard UTV or ATV, that's too young, according to Jones.

He said most off road vehicles have warning posted listing the age and what not to do. There's also a warning about the dangers of riding in the cab.

“Parents, read your book, take the safety course. You take it, then you'll know what to tell them," Jones said.