Lake Oswego Teen Seriously Hurt in Sledding Accident

"Firefighter want to urge people to use caution while sledding and even walking on the streets. The snow is melting during the day from the sun, and as soon as the sun goes down, it freezes making the streets a extremely slippery."- Gert Zoutendijk, Lake Oswego Fire

Photo courtesy: Gert Zoutendijk/Lake Oswego Fire

(LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.) - A 16-year old Westlake area boy was seriously injured in a sledding accident today at 3:30 PM, according to Gert Zoutendijk with Lake Oswego Fire.

He says the teenager was sledding down a short steep driveway when he fell and hit his head on the ground.

"His injuries prompted Paramedics from Lake Oswego Fire Department to activate Lifeflight helicopter. Lifeflight landed on the soccer field next to the Lake Bible Church on Carman Drive."

Zoutendijk says the teenager was flown to Emanuel Hospital.

"This is the second injury in two days due to sledding. Yesterday a five-year old boy hit his head on a bleacher on the soccer field across Lakeridge High school."

Fortunately, the boy's injuries were not serious and he was not transported.

Zoutendijk said, "Firefighter want to urge people to use caution while sledding and even walking on the streets."

He says it is serious business, "The snow is melting during the day from the sun, and as soon as the sun goes down, it freezes making the streets a extremely slippery."

His words urging safety are echoed by other emergency responders throughout the state. The weather forecast has conditions worsening in the coming days; Oregonians need to make safe choices.