NEWS | Biddeford boy seriously injured in dirtbike accident

CONTRIBUTED STORY | Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office

A nine-year-old Biddeford boy sustained serious injuries Sunday after being involved in an accident involving a small dirtbike on St. Joseph Street.

According to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, investigators were called to the scene at the request of the Biddeford Fire Department.

According to the investigation, the juvenile was operating a dirt bike with a small engine in a parking lot when the incident occurred.

Upon arrival, Biddeford firefighters located the dirt bike with significant fire damage, including extensive burning of the seat and heat damage to the fuel tank and engine.

The boy who was operating the dirtbike sustained serious burns on both legs. He was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland for initial treatment and then transferred to a specialized burn center in Boston because of the severity of his injuries, according to investigators.

During the investigation, a nearby homeowner provided surveillance video that captured the incident. The video showed the juvenile riding the dirt bike before striking a curb and continuing forward until the bike tipped onto its side. As the motorcycle fell, a flash fire occurred.

Investigators determined that the flash fire occurred when gasoline escaped from the dirt bike’s fuel system following the crash and was ignited by hot engine components.

The fire has been classified as accidental.

The Office of State Fire Marshal reminds the public that gasoline is highly flammable and that fuel leaks after crashes can ignite quickly upon contact with hot engine or exhaust components.

Riders should ensure their equipment is properly maintained and always wear appropriate protective gear when operating off-road vehicles.

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