CHINO, CA — A six-year-old boy is recovering after suffering third-degree burns from an electrical vault at Heritage Park last week, in an incident that has left the community shaken and officials taking swift action to prevent future accidents.
Terrifying Moment on a Busy Day at Heritage Park
The boy was playing at Heritage Park on May 10, a day filled with the sounds and excitement of several baseball games happening nearby. While walking near the snack stand, he stepped on an electrical vault embedded under the sidewalk — an area that appeared safe and was covered at the time.
Allison Scott was nearby when she saw the boy suddenly collapse. She rushed to help and immediately realized this was no ordinary fall.
“He was laid out on the ground, but his hands were clenched,” Scott recalled. “I tried to help him stand, but he couldn’t. That’s when I knew something was seriously wrong.”
Severe Injuries and Quick Response
The boy suffered third-degree burns to his stomach, a serious injury requiring surgery. Scott, who was the first to come to his aid, expressed how close she came to being hurt herself while trying to help.
“The electrical current could have transferred to me when I picked him up,” she said. “But I just did what any mother would do in that situation.”
Her quick thinking likely helped the boy receive medical care sooner, which was critical in his recovery.
City Officials Investigate and Act Swiftly
Matthew Bramlett, a spokesperson for the City of Chino, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.
“While the vault was covered at the time, we believe the electrical current somehow transferred through to the boy,” Bramlett explained. “We’ve replaced the vault, the lid, and the concrete casing around it. Everything is brand new now.”
The city has also marked the area with large, bold lettering reading “ELECTRICAL” to warn park visitors of the hazard.
Safety Checks Planned for All City Parks
Chino is home to 27 parks, and city officials have announced plans to inspect all electrical vaults and similar infrastructure in every park to prevent any future accidents.
“We want to make sure everything is in tiptop shape,” Bramlett said. “Our parks should be safe and welcoming places for families and community members.”
A Community United in Concern and Support
The incident has raised awareness among local residents about park safety. Many parents and community members have expressed concern but also appreciation for the swift action taken by city officials.
“Heritage Park is a special place for families,” said one local parent. “We just want to be sure our kids are safe while they play.”
Looking Ahead
As the young boy continues his recovery, the city of Chino is committed to learning from this incident and making improvements to ensure that its parks remain secure environments for children and families alike.
Officials encourage anyone who notices potential safety hazards in public spaces to report them immediately.
Final Thoughts
Accidents like these are heartbreaking reminders of the importance of vigilance when it comes to public safety. Thanks to quick responses from bystanders and city workers, the boy is now on the road to recovery, and steps are being taken to protect others.
If you have any information related to this incident or notice safety concerns in your community parks, please contact the City of Chino or local authorities.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
