1-year-old boy falls from fourth-floor balcony in Hialeah

Boy airlifted to JMH's Ryder Trauma Center

HIALEAH, Fla. – A 1-year-old boy fell from an apartment balcony Tuesday in Hialeah, authorities said.

Hialeah Fire Department officials said they were called to an apartment at 305 W. 68th St. after the toddler fell from the fourth floor.

Neighbors said they heard the cries for help and realized what had happened when they went outside. 

Viviano Perez said the boy was moving and tilting his head. 

Authorities said the boy suffered a head injury, and was in and out of consciousness. The toddler was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center.

The child's father said he was at work when the incident happened and rushed straight to the hospital. 

The boy is listed in serious, but stable condition. 

"They said he's OK at the moment, but nothing else," Maria Pinto, a family friend, said. 

Hialeah police Sgt. Carl Zogby said the boy was being watched by a caretaker when the incident occurred and said the fall appears to be accidental.

Florida Department of Children & Families spokeswoman Beatriz Lopez said DCF has opened a child protective investigation into the incident. She said the family has no prior involvement with the child welfare system.

According to a police report obtained Wednesday, four adults and a 12-year-old were at the apartment when the incident occurred. The adults included the boy's aunt, uncle, cousin and grandmother.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.