LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WJAR) — A rollover crash involving a utility terrain vehicle on Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of a 5-year-old girl and serious injuries to another child.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:55 p.m. on Long Highway. Little Compton police responded to the scene, where a total of eight juveniles were treated by first responders.
According to authorities, the 16-year-old driver lost control of the UTV while operating it in a grassy field with seven passengers on board. The vehicle rolled over, ejecting everyone inside.
A 5-year-old girl sustained critical injuries and was transported to Saint Anne’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Another 5-year-old was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries and is currently in stable condition.
The teenage driver is facing charges of driving to endanger, resulting in death, and driving to endanger, causing serious bodily injury. The driver was held overnight at the Rhode Island Training School.
The incident took place at an address linked to the Maurolou family farm, a local campground and event venue. It remains unclear if any scheduled events were taking place at the time of the crash.
The principal of Wilbur and McMahon School issued a letter to families acknowledging the tragedy, noting that while the victims were not students, they participated in school activities.
A town council member stated the community is in mourning following the incident. The identities of the victims and driver are not yet public.