Alabama ATV Park Crash Leaves Two Dead, Seven Children Hospitalized
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — A tragic ATV crash at Indian Mountain ATV Park left two adults dead and sent seven children to hospitals across Alabama and Georgia on Saturday afternoon.
Deadly Collision at Indian Mountain
The crash happened shortly before 4 p.m., when two Polaris RZR vehicles collided at high speed, causing one of them to overturn and strike a tree.
The man driving that ATV was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman riding with him was airlifted to a Birmingham-area hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Children Among the Injured
Seven children, ranging in age from 1 to 12 years old, were riding in the same ATV at the time of the crash. All were transported to hospitals in Birmingham and Rome, Georgia. Their current conditions have not been released.
Officials Stress Safety Concerns
The tragedy has renewed focus on ATV safety at the sprawling park, which covers thousands of acres and has faced scrutiny in the past.
Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Shawn Rogers urged riders to take safety precautions: “Always wear your restraint system and never exceed the number of passengers your vehicle is designed for.”
County leaders noted that while the park has safety rules in place, consistent enforcement remains difficult due to its size.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not released the names of the victims, and details about the second ATV involved remain unclear. Officials praised the efforts of first responders, calling their actions professional and dedicated in the face of a difficult situation.
This incident highlights the dangers of overcrowding and high-speed driving in recreational ATV parks. Should Alabama push for stronger regulations after repeated accidents at Indian Mountain? Share your thoughts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.