Yuma, AZ : Two people hurt in off-roading accident on Sunday, December 11th 2016

Two people were injured after an all-terrain vehicle and a jeep collided while off-roading in the desert near County 19th Sunday evening, according to the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department.

The accident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. between Avenue D and Avenue E, an area that Captain Javier Hernandez said is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles.

"We couldn't make it to the accident scene," Hernandez said. "We went into the desert as far as we could on an access road, and the patients were brought to us in the back of pickup trucks."

Hernandez said that a witness stated that a couple was riding an ATV quad when a jeep rammed into the back of it, causing both the driver and passenger to be ejected.

"They were not wearing helmets, which would have made a difference," Hernandez said.

The witness also stated that after being thrown, both the passengers and driver were unresponsive for a few minutes.

The driver, a 21-year-old male, suffered serious lacerations to the hand and forehead with severe bleeding. Hernandez added that he also had a possible head injury because he was not able to remember what had happened.

The passenger, a 24-year-old female, was complaining of pain to the right shoulder and face area. Both patients were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center by Somerton/Cocopah ambulance and San Luis Fire ambulance.

Hernandez said the 21-year-old male was later flown to a Phoenix hospital for further treatment.

Since firefighters never made it to the scene of the accident, Hernandez said it was not known if the driver of the jeep was injured, but added they did not treat anybody else as a result of the wreck.

Hernandez stated that the area where the accident happened has become a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts and gets very crowded.

He added that a Somerton/Cocopah rescue crew has been to the area -- which is also known for vehicle racing -- in the past for serious accidents, some of which have claimed lives.

"If you're going to be out there, be safe and wear helmets and use seatbelts," Hernandez said. "Also be alert to your surroundings and always watch for other vehicles."

Source :
Two people hurt in off-roading accident