LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Alcohol is thought to have played a role in a crash that killed a 6-year-old and injured numerous others, including a 2-year-old on Tuesday night in Austin, Indiana.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls, police from the Austin Police Department and Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-car incident at 8:42 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 256 and U.S. 31.
According to investigators, a Toyota Camry was driving west on S.R. 256 when it reached the intersection on a green light to turn south onto U.S. 31. As the vehicle turned, a Chrysler 300 driving north on U.S. 31 “disregarded a red light” and entered the intersection without stopping, striking with the Toyota, according to Huls.
Huls stated that the driver and a passenger in the Toyota were taken to UofL Hospital and are likely to survive their injuries.
The woman driving the Chrysler was taken to Norton Scott Hospital in Scottsburg with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening. A front passenger in that vehicle was also transported to UofL Hospital and is likely to survive.
A 2-year-old in the back seat of the Chrysler was rushed to Norton Scott Hospital and is expected to survive his or her injuries. However, a 6-year-old girl who was also in the back seat of the Chrysler was transported to Norton Scott Hospital and ultimately died.
The ISP’s Crash Reconstruction Team was requested and has taken over the investigation, which is still ongoing.
Huls stated that part of the investigation will focus on finding whether the 6-year-old youngster was properly fastened in the vehicle. The Indiana Department of Child Services is undertaking its own inquiry.
Police believe alcohol was a part in the accident. Huls stated that toxicological findings are pending.
No other information was immediately provided.
Reference: 6-year-old killed, 5 others injured in southern Indiana crash
