Quad bike boy dies after Bierley crash (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Quad bike boy dies after Bierley crash

7:00am Wednesday 25th November 2009

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A 16-year-old boy has died after being seriously injured in a crash involving a quad bike and a car.

The teenager, who was being treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary, died last night, police said.

Another 16-year-old boy injured in the crash remains at Leeds General Infirmary in a stable condition.

The teenage best friends, who police said were both 16, were riding the quad along Bierley House Avenue in the direction of Asda when the collision occurred with a silver Ford Focus travelling along Heath Hall Avenue towards Burnham Avenue.

The boys were both taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary but one had to be transferred later to Leeds General Infirmary.

The two boys have been named locally as Jake Leahy, 16, and Danny Moore, 16.

Their distressed friends were leaving flowers at the scene yesterday.

One Bierley resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Both the boys are well known in the area where the accident happened. It’s a terrible thing.”

Russell Waterhouse, who lives nearby, said: “We heard a loud bang. I thought something had gone into my car. Everybody came out on to the street to see what it was. The boys were in the road and the bike was up on the grass.

“My daughter and granddaughter tried to help them and there was another man who said he was related to one of the boys who was there.”

Friends said the two had left Tong School in June and that Jake, who had got work on a building site, “loved bikes”.

One of Jake’s friends, Kerry Jo Spencer, said: “He loves bikes, he knew what to do with them. He got a moped first before he got the quad.

“He’s really popular and got lots of friends. Danny and him are best friends. They don’t go out much but they are usually together when you see them.”

The crash is being investigated by the newly-formed Major Collision Enquiry Team of West Yorkshire Police.

A force spokesman last night said one of the teenagers was in a critical condition at Bradford Royal Infirmary and the other was “serious but stable” at Leeds General Infirmary and had now been moved from intensive care on to a ward.

Most quad bikes are only designed for off-road use, but ones that are road-legal can only be used by riders at least 17 years old, according to police information.

Councillor John Ruding (Lab, Tong) said his thoughts went out to the boys’ families but he wanted to put out a safety message to others.

He said: “We don’t know the circumstances about this incident and my thoughts are with the families involved who will be going through a traumatic time.

“But I would appeal to any parents who have children who use these bikes to make sure they are adequately trained in road safety and have all the safety equipment they need.”

Councillor Michael Johnson (Lab, Tong) said: “While I’m sorry to hear about what’s happened, I’d urge parents just not to buy these machines for their children.”

Investigating police would not confirm whether or not the boys had been wearing crash helmets.

Anyone with information about the crash, which occurred at 8.15pm on Monday, should contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on (01924) 293047.

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