A Costa Mesa man and his caregiver were injured Wednesday in a collision involving a dump truck on Anaheim Avenue in Costa Mesa.
According to the Costa Mesa Police Department, the 53-year old man was crossing Anaheim Avenue at the crosswalk in his electric wheelchair along with his 72-year-old caregiver when they were struck by the dump truck.
The Anaheim Avenue collision occurred around 4:00 p.m. between Plumer and 19th and streets. Police are reporting that the man suffered minor injuries and his electric wheelchair was left inoperable while the 72-year-old caregiver was severely injured and remains in critical condition as of Thursday.
Police spokeswoman, Roxi Fyad, stated that the man and woman entered the crosswalk and then were struck. It hasn’t been determined yet by authorities if the pair had the right of way or what led to the crash.
“We’re still investigating that, so we’re looking for anyone who may have dash-cam footage,” Fyad said.
The damaged electric wheelchair and a cane were left behind at the scene at Anaheim Avenue and 19th Street.
“It’s very sad … (the man’s) wheelchair was destroyed,” Fyad said. “He’s immobile now.”
She added that the injured caretaker, from Anaheim, had only been the man’s caretaker for one day.
Police also stated that the truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities and that an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
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