An Oklahoma police officer has found himself at the centre of an unexpected viral moment after being caught on camera accidentally sledding into a small child during a snow day that took a chaotic turn. The Jenks Police Department released the footage, which shows the officer losing control of his plastic sled on a frosty hill before colliding with the youngster at the bottom of the slope.
Chaotic Descent Captured on Film
Filmed in the Tulsa suburb of Jenks, the police shared the video on Saturday alongside important tips for staying safe and warm during the severe winter weather brought by Storm Fern. The department was quick to clarify in the post's caption that no children or officers were injured in the incident, providing reassurance amidst the alarming visuals.
The Moment the Sledding Went Awry
The footage begins with the officer seated calmly in a plastic sled, holding the reins as a companion gives the signal to 'send it' and pushes him down the hill. For a brief moment, the descent appears smooth as he glides down the dirt-speckled slope. However, the situation rapidly deteriorates when the sled hits a slight bump, causing it to veer sharply to the left.
Onlookers can be heard exclaiming 'Woah' as the officer attempts to regain control by placing his right arm on the ground to slow the sled. Despite his efforts, the sled continues to surge forward, growing increasingly unmanageable as it speeds towards the base of the hill.
The Unavoidable Collision
Despite the officer's best attempts to divert his path, the out-of-control sled slams squarely into the back of a small child who was standing at the bottom of the incline. Witnesses gasp in shock as the impact occurs, though the child shows little immediate reaction. The sled strikes the child's legs, whipping them upwards before the youngster lands on top of the officer, whose own legs flail skywards as snow sprays in all directions. In the aftermath, one person can be heard cackling, capturing the bizarre blend of concern and amusement.
Winter Storm Fern's Widespread Impact
This sledding mishap occurred against the backdrop of Winter Storm Fern, which brought heavy snowfall to 34 states across the United States, including Oklahoma, affecting nearly two-thirds of the country's population. The torrential snowfall transformed city parks and rural nature spots into powdery playgrounds, prompting residents nationwide to flock outdoors.
Travel Chaos and Infrastructure Concerns
However, the storm also brought significant disruption, with more than 15,000 flights cancelled over the weekend and hundreds of thousands of homes left without power. Forecasters have warned that the damage to infrastructure could be even more severe than the typical aftermath of a hurricane. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem advised people in impacted areas to stay at home 'if possible' to ensure their safety.
Record-Breaking Meteorological Event
Meteorologists have indicated that Storm Fern may have broken records in terms of its geographical reach, travelling extensively across both the United States and Canada before finally dissipating. At its peak, the storm expanded over an area almost 2,000 miles in length, stretching from the US-Mexico border all the way to central Canada. In response, two dozen state governors issued emergency declarations, impacting an estimated 230 million people.
The Jenks Police Department's decision to share the sledding video serves as a light-hearted yet cautionary reminder about winter safety, even as communities grapple with the serious consequences of one of the season's most formidable storms.
