LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – A 9-year-old boy described as “joyful and sweet” was killed after a homemade swing-like structure tipped over and hit him in the head.
Pedro Angel Gonzalez was playing with other children in the backyard of a home in Plum Grove, about an hour northeast of Houston, Texas last Saturday.
They were all together celebrating birthdays.
The A-frame structure had an engine hoist attached. Deputies said the kids were swinging from a chain attached to it. Angel was pushing a boy on the swing when family members said the structure tipped over and hit him in the head as he was trying to get out of the way.
“My little cousin was a very happy little boy,” Gonzalez told us. She rushed to give Angel CPR after the accident along CR 5263B south of the Plum Grove community.
Gonzalez said it took first responders roughly 40 minutes to get there.
“I feel like the assistance we had that day was delayed as far as the EMS and getting help from them so I really hope this tragedy brings awareness to that,” said Gonzalez.
Deputies said there is not an active criminal investigation. They view it as a tragic accident.
The uncle who lives at the residence told KPRC 2 that the swing set was secured to the ground and that he’d just put it up a couple of weeks ago.
The CDC reports that each year, more than 200,000 children go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment.
SEE ALSO: Playground safety: 5 essential tips to keep your kids safe
The CDC warns that while playgrounds are great places for children to play and explore risks and limits, they can put children at risk for injuries as well. On the playground, using certain types of equipment such as monkey bars, climbing equipment, and swings is more likely to lead to concussions and other brain injuries.
For a safe and fun playground experience, look for playgrounds with:
- Equipment that is right for the child’s age.
- Soft material below equipment, such as wood chips, sand, or mulch.
- Guardrails to help prevent falls.
Look out for things in the play area that can trip the children, such as tree stumps or rocks.