Two Hospitalized from Sledding Crash in Harford County

JOPPA, MD – Two youths suffered traumatic injuries from a sledding crash Wednesday in Harford County, according to the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company.

The juveniles had been sledding in the 100 block of Orsburn Drive at approximately 5:40 p.m. when they crashed into a tree, the fire company reported.

Crews from Kingsville and Joppa responded and found both victims had serious injuries, according to the report.

Joppa-Magnolia took the youths by ambulance to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Trauma Center, where they were in stable condition, Joppa-Magnolia spokesman Andrew Doyle reported. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, he said.

Earlier in the week, a child died in a sledding crash in Carroll County. In that case, a 5-year-old girl had been sledding down a driveway when she was hit by a car in Sykesville, authorities said.

• 5-Year-Old Killed in Carroll County Sledding Crash: Sheriff
• 10-Year-Old Impaled While Sledding in Harford
• Girl Impaled While Sledding Makes Full Recovery

Each year, more than 20,000 children in the U.S. end up in emergency rooms from sledding injuries, according to a recent study.

Here are some tips for safe sledding from the National Safety Council:

• Evaluate terrain before sledding, checking for poles, trees, rocks and fences.
• Sled with feet pointing downhill; never sled headfirst.
• Pick a spot that does not have lakes, streams or ponds nearby.
• Wear a helmet if possible.
• Bundle up with thick gloves and heavy boots.
• Check equipment, ensuring it is free of sharp edges and cracks before use.

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