1 girl dead, another critically injured after Brooklyn Center minibike crash

Brooklyn Center police say an investigation is underway after two girls riding a minibike collided with a motorist, fatally wounding one of the girls.

The crash was reported at 3 p.m. Thursday near 63rd Avenue North and Brooklyn Drive.

Two girls under the age of 10 were riding the minibike when they were struck by a motorist, police said. Emergency responders treated the girls at the scene before taking them to the hospital. 

"They live down here," said Chiquita Townsend, a neighbor. "I see them all the time."

One of the girls was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said. The other is in critical condition. 

An online fundraiser identified the girl killed as 6-year-old Dreme Williams. 

"Dreme was a bright, energetic, loving, and feisty little girl with a personality you simply could not miss. If Dreme was around, you knew it. She brought so much life and energy wherever she went," the fundraiser says.

Townsend believes the tragedy could have been prevented. 

"I don't know why, [there's] no stop sign here," said Townsend. "There's no stop signs down these streets right here, but cars always just fly straight. They don't ever pause to see if anything is coming."

Police say the driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, which remains active.