Five family members, mostly kids, die after car veers into creek, Mississippi cops say
A family was torn apart after a car carrying six relatives crashed in Mississippi, news outlets report.
Just before 10 p.m on March 21, deputies were called to Batesville after reports that a car crashed into a bridge barricade and veered into a creek, WMC reported.
Deputies told WMC that the vehicle contained six people, ranging in age from 12 to 19 years old.
A 14-year-old girl, seated behind the driver, survived the crash and climbed onto the vehicle’s roof before jumping into the creek and making her way back to the road, according to WHBQ.
Panola County Sheriff Shane Phelps said the 14-year-old, who was not identified, flagged another driver, who then called 911, WHBQ reported.
“Hero. Brave. I can’t imagine what she went through and what she’s going through now,” Phelps told the station.
Deputies identified the victims of the crash as the driver, Itaeipa Webster, 19; Montraz Webster, 14; Jamerian Towns, 12; Earl Holmes, 13; and Destiny Liphford, 15, according to SNBC.com.
All six people in the car were members of the same family.
Phelps told WHBQ that the crash remains under investigation, but that there were no signs of drug or alcohol use, and that the roadways and driving conditions were difficult after recent rain.
The mothers of the victims, Lakeisha, Latorius and Laneshia Holmes, shared pictures of their children on social media.
The South Panola School District posted a statement on its Facebook page saying it was “heartbroken and saddened by the tragic passing,” and confirmed that all five victims were either current or former students in the district.
Robert Brumsey, a local preacher, asked for prayers for the family and the community on his Facebook page, sharing a “Pray for Batesville” hashtag.
Driver shoots passenger while trying to toss gun from window during chase, GA cops say
Two killed when ambulance loses control and slams into SUV, Georgia police say
Customer shoots and kills car dealership worker in argument over vehicle, WI cops say
Rollover crash kills 16-year-old out with friends in Utah. ‘Broke our heart’
