Baby killed, man hospitalized after crashing into Maricopa County power pole

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - A baby girl was killed and her father is in the hospital after crashing into a power pole on Sunday, the Goodyear Fire Department said.

The crash happened near Van Buren Street and Perryville Road on Sept. 17.

First responders say the 30-year-old man was taken to the hospital where he is in critical, but stable condition. The 9-month-old girl was declared dead at the scene. Both were ejected from the vehicle.

"Evidence suggests neither party was wearing any restraints," the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says.

A car seat was not found at the scene.

Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Investigators have not yet been able to determine if speed was a factor.

As many can imagine, the tragedy impacts first responders who were exposed to the traumatic event.

"They're coping. We reached out to them, called all of them individually to find out how they are doing. Thankfully, Goodyear has resources we utilize for this. For instance, our peer support program. Each one of those members called as a courtesy to see how they're doing," Capt. Kevin Boyd with the Goodyear Fire Department said.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The law in Arizona is that kids under 8 years old or under 4 feet 9 inches must be secured in a car seat or booster seat while riding in a vehicle.

Experts recommend infants and toddlers should be restrained in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old.

"Infants and smaller babies might not have that strength in their heads to keep their heads up. So that's why they need to be reclined. A rear-facing car seat will have to go to 30-45 degree angle to make sure the child is well protected," Blanca Villaseno, Phoenix Children’s Hospital injury prevention specialist said. "They don't have that strength, or head or neck support."

Map of where the crash happened: