Sports

9 Year Old Boy Robert McAlister Dies In Quad Bike Farm Tragedy

by Paul Conneally | May 3, 2010 at 03:29 pm

1292 views | 6 Recommendations | 9 comments

Boy Killed Riding Quad Bike Alone On Farm

A nine-year old boy has been killed riding a quad bike (ATV) at home on his parents' farm in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

The boy, Robert McAlister, was on his own when the quad bike tragedy struck early Sunday evening.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said that the boy was taken to Victoria Hospital in Rothesay where he was pronounced dead.

Strathclyde Police said that a post-mortem would take place and a report would be sent to the Procurator Fiscal who would decide if any procedings would be taken against anyone.

Crackdown On Quad Bikes Called For

It is not against the law in the UK for children to drive quad bikes on private land but children under 13 cannot drive them for work purposes. Farm land is defined in law as a workplace.

The road safety charity Brake is campaigning for legistlation to be brought in to make it illegal for all but older children to drive quad bikes anywhere and this tragic accident will strengthen such calls for a crackdown on quad bikes.

The Health and Safety Executive, HSE, say that there are over 1,000 serious injuries due to quad bike accidents every year in the UK.

Police are continuing with their inquiries.

Robert McAlister was involved in an accident at about 6.20pm on Sunday. It is thought that he was on his own when it happened. He was a pupil at Rothesay Primary School where Wendy Brownlie, his head teacher, described him as “a sporty lad”. She said: “Everyone will be devastated to hear of this tragedy. Robert was a popular boy who will be sadly missed by both pupils and staff.

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Edmund Jenks

at 18:07 on May 3rd, 2010

Attention to this type of accident is important - vehicles are not toys but serious tools ... even if they may impart joy.

Mary Richard

at 19:56 on May 3rd, 2010

I wonder if he was wearing a helmet...

Beaulieu

at 05:58 on May 5th, 2010

Why weren't the parents keeping an eye on this child?

Beaulieu

at 05:59 on May 5th, 2010

A preventable tragedy.

Sonflower (not verified)

at 09:00 on May 5th, 2010

How can anyboday be so gruel to blame the parents.I am sure they feel guilty enough and nobody needs to add to that pain.I pray that one day they will find peace about what happened and be able to enjoy life again and see God's goodness inspite of it all.

Beaulieu

at 12:19 on May 5th, 2010

Just where were the parents.

I support BRAKE in their action.

Leslie Tellerain (not verified)

at 00:17 on May 6th, 2010

Are you able to keep your eyes 24 hours a day on your child('ern)?? Ever heard of the word "Accident"" or simply that children do dangerous things and it is impossible to be glued to their every move?? Be careful not to judge, tragic accidents happen to people everyday, be thankful if you have never had to suffer one! And if you have, understand the pain these people are going through!!

Anon in Rothesay isle of bute (not verified)

at 12:49 on May 6th, 2010

It was just an accident, i know his parents loved him very much however you can not watch kids 24/7 and sometimes they do stuff that is dangerous even if you tell them no, sadly this accident ended in tragedy... his parents will have to live with this forever... please do not blame them ...he was very much loved by every1 on Bute and will be sadly missed,