2 Young Sisters Killed In Polk County Scooter Crash

BARTOW, FL -- Two young sisters were killed Sunday when their scooter was struck by a pickup truck along Connersville Road in Wellington Place. The crash occurred around 4:15 p.m.

Twelve-year-old Charisma Vega and 9-year-old Kiara Vega were pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, according to the Polk County sheriff's office. Neither girl was wearing a helmet.

"The driver of the truck, 23-year-old Danika Whitchard, was heading westbound on Connersville Road and did not see the girls," explained Sherrie Sherrie Morgan of the sheriff's office. "She immediately stopped after hearing a noise."

Morgan said first responders tried life-saving measures at the scene. "The 9-year-old was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and the 12-year-old was transported by ambulance to LRHMC where both children were pronounced deceased," she said.

"Deputies do not see any clear evidence of wrongdoing on behalf of the driver of the truck, however the investigation is still in the initial stages," added Morgan.