BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) -- A large piece of machinery similar to a street sweeper "entered a house" on Canal Street in Monte Ne and injured two people Tuesday morning (June 6), according to Rogers Fire Chief Tom Jenkins.
Benton County Communications Director Channing Barker said crews have been improving roads in the area and the broom sweeper was on a hill on Bonnabel Road. Crews believe the machine lost control down the hill and crashed into the home on Canal Street.
Family members said Teresa Ruiz and her son, Juan Antonio were trapped under the machine. Crews were later able to free them. Both were taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Teresa is in serious condition with injuries sustained mostly to her legs. She has had three surgeries and is expected to have more.
According to a neighbor, Juan Antonio was just 2-weeks-old. He is expected to be okay, but is being held for observation.
A road worker was in the machine at the time of the incident and was also taken to an area hospital. Jenkins said all injuries were considered to be serious.
Arkansas State Police has taken over the investigation. Benton County said the employee is expected to return to work Monday, but will not be operating machinery until ASP finishes investigating. Stay with 5NEWS as this story continues to develop.
