A 5-year-old boy was ejected in a traffic accident when his mother was distracted by mobile phone

A 5-year-old boy was ejected from a truck when his mother crashed on a California highway Tuesday while she was on her cell phone, authorities told a local station.

The boy survived but was seriously injured and was flown to a trauma center, California Highway Patrol reported.

"It was an absolutely horrible and traumatic scene," said Sam Courtney, CHP officer, at California's KSBW-TV. "As soon as the truck started rolling, he got out of the truck."

"It was an absolutely horrible and traumatic scene.As soon as the truck started rolling, it got out of the truck."

– Sam Courtney, CHP Officer

The boy's mother was using her mobile phone and was driving distractedly, the CHP told the station.

The wreckage occurred around 9:12 am local time, at which time the mother crashed against the central divider of Highway 1 at Capitola, driving the vehicle several times, indicated CHP. Capitola is about 80 miles south of San Francisco.

The CHP stated that the 5-year-old was not properly secured in a child safety seat.

The officers found that the boy's seat belt was still attached to the damaged truck. So they think the boy slipped out of his belt, KSBW-TV reported.

"Do not assume that a seat belt will hold a child who is not at least 4'9"! CHP said. "Tragically, this child might not have been hurt when he was sitting properly."

The boy's mother suffered moderate injuries, according to the station. She was identified as a 40-year-old Watsonville woman.

Investigators will consider the possibility of recommending criminal charges against her, the CHP Sgt. Grant Boles told the station.

"It's an unfortunate lesson for other parents," Boles said.

Sgt CHP Grant Boles

Sgt CHP Grant Boles