Belmont Teen Hospitalized in Skateboard Accident

A Belmont teenager is recovering following a weekend accident in which he crashed and slammed his head-- without a helmet on-- into the pavement, police said Tuesday.

According to Belmont Police Capt. Patrick Halleran, the accident happened around 11 p.m. Saturday night, in the 2100 block of Carlmont Drive.

“Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the victim, a 16-year-old boy from Belmont, down in the street,” Halleran said in a statement issued Tuesday. “According to a witness, the victim had been skateboarding home with his brother after work and attempted to do a ’trick’ on his skateboard.”

Belmont firefighters treated the boy at the scene, but he was also taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. An update on his condition was not immediately available.

“The Belmont Police and Fire Departments would like to remind skateboarders the importance of wearing proper safety gear,” Halleran said. “The victim in this case was not wearing a helmet, which most likely would have greatly reduced the severity of the head injury, if not prevented it altogether.”

Halleran offered the following safety tips for skateboarders:

• Helmet. Get a helmet that is specifically meant for skateboarding, not some other activity. Helmets should have a strong strap and buckle, and the strap should be securely fastened and snug any time you ride.
• Pads and wrist guards. Knee and elbow pads and wrist guards are recommended for riders of all levels. Make sure any pads you wear are snug without constricting your circulation.

(Image via Shutterstock)