A 17-year-old female was airlifted by a STARS Helicopter after an incident in Blumenort Wednesday evening.

Emergency responders were called to the scene along Penner Drive North just after 5:00 PM on Wednesday.

According to RCMP, the teenage girl had been riding on the open tailgate of a truck with a female friend, while her friend’s 49-year-old father drove the vehicle. The two teenagers had been exercising a dog from the truck by letting it run alongside them.

Police indicate that, when the driver suddenly accelerated, the 17-year-old was caught off guard and fell from the back of the truck. She suffered significant head injuries and was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital by STARS in critical condition.

As of this morning, police say her condition has stabilized and her injuries are now considered non-life threatening.

RCMP have confirmed that alcohol was not a factor.

The scene remains under investigation.