MIMS, Fla. – Three children were airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Regional Medical Center after suffering injuries in an ATV accident in Mims, Brevard County firefighters said.
Officials said none of the patients appeared to have been wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
James Wade, whose son Hunter Wade was most seriously injured, told Local 6 Hunter is improving Sunday night.
Wade said his 12-year-old son is now in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. He's now breathing on his own and has been responsive and awake sporadically throughout the day.
According to Wade his son's friend Tyler Willhite, 14, is bruised but expected to be released soon. Wade didn't have any information about the condition of the third victim, 17-year-old Morgan Wutlich.
FHP told Local 6 Saturday night, Wutlich was listed in serious condition at ORMC.
Brevard County Fire Rescue crews responded to the 1900 block of Hammock Road at 5:43 p.m., Saturday, officials said.
Firefighters said trauma alerts were issued for all three patients.
Officials said a full investigation into the cause of the accident will be conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol and results of that investigation will be issued by them.
An FHP trooper told Local 6 the drivers of the ATVs were cited for not wearing helmets and riding on a public road, but the parents aren't facing any charges.
FHP said the parents weren't aware the teens were out on the ATVs and the crash appeared to be just a freak accident.
In Florida, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to ride an ATV without a helmet and protective eyewear. It's also illegal to ride on a public road.
Most ATVs warn the risk for deadly injury increases when someone under 16 operates an ATV.