Ford Faces Lawsuit After Crash That Injured Children

A Mustang crash at a Michigan test track severely injured two children, leading to a lawsuit against Ford and other parties involved.

At a Glance

Two children, aged 8 and 10, were seriously injured during a field trip to an Auburn Hills test track on July 17, 2023.
The crash involved a Ford Mustang Dark Horse prototype that lost control during a demonstration.
Lawsuits have been filed against Ford, the test track owner, a nonprofit organization, and the driver.
Both children suffered traumatic brain injuries and other severe injuries, leading to ongoing cognitive issues.

Tragic Accident at Ford Test Track

A demonstration of Ford’s latest Mustang model turned into a nightmare for two families when a prototype vehicle crashed into a group of children during a STEM-related summer camp field trip. The incident, which occurred on July 17, 2023, at a test track in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has resulted in severe injuries to two young boys and a lawsuit against multiple parties involved in the event.

The crash involved a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a high-performance variant of the iconic muscle car. According to reports, the driver allegedly attempted to make the demonstration more exciting by intentionally breaking traction. However, this maneuver led to a loss of control, causing the vehicle to collide with a guardrail before striking the children who were observing from behind it.

Ford Sued After Mustang Dark Horse Demonstration Crash https://t.co/XfEKGyZlNN pic.twitter.com/WNQzxNFrbR

— Ford Authority (@FordAuthority) September 11, 2024

Severe Injuries and Legal Action

The two children injured in the accident, Elijah Gibson, 8, and Lavell McGee, 10, suffered catastrophic injuries. Elijah endured a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures, necessitating several surgeries. Lavell also sustained severe head injuries. Both children now struggle with memory and cognitive issues, dramatically altering their once-promising futures.

“These kids went from being top of their class overachievers, to be able to get into this program and to be future engineers, to struggling with some of the most basic things,” said Jonathan Marko, the attorney representing the families.

In response to this tragic event, the families have filed lawsuits against several parties, including Ford Motor Company, Continental Automotive Systems Inc. (the test track owner), the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program, and the driver, Linus Gugino. The legal action alleges negligence and willful misconduct, citing a lack of proper safety measures at the facility.

Questionable Safety Protocols

The lawsuit brings into question the safety protocols in place during the demonstration. Attorney Jonathan Marko criticized the lack of safety measures, comparing the situation unfavorably to professional motorsports events.

“They won’t even let you do this at NASCAR,” said Marko. “I go to a NASCAR show, or we go to the Grand Prix at downtown Detroit, they’ve got fences up. They won’t even let me as an adult come anywhere near close.”

This statement highlights concerns about allowing children to be in such close proximity to a high-performance vehicle demonstration without adequate protection. The lawsuit seeks a jury-determined judgment to fully compensate the families for their damages, which include not only the immediate medical costs but also the long-term impact on the children’s lives and potential.

Ongoing Investigation and Ford’s Response

As the legal proceedings unfold, many questions remain about how such a tragic accident could have occurred during what was supposed to be an educational field trip. Ford Motor Company has declined to comment on the pending litigation, leaving many to wonder about the company’s stance on safety protocols at its test facilities.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in automotive demonstrations and the critical importance of stringent safety measures, especially when children are involved.