Police: Crash that killed 5 Derby children in Westchester County deemed an accident

fatal crash
Logo of Westchester County Department of Public Safety Photo credit Westchester County Department of Public Safety

Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - Officials in Westchester County, New York have released a report on a crash last winter that left five Derby children dead.

Police say there will be no criminal charges surrounding that fiery March 9th crash on the Hutchinson River Parkway in Scarsdale.

Sixteen-year-old Malik Smith was behind the wheel of a Nissan Rogue in the wee hours that went off the road and burst into flames, killing him and four other children.

Smith was not licensed to drive, nor did he have a permit.

The crash has been ruled an accident.

Investigators said there was no indication of a collision with another vehicle or that the brakes were engaged.

It's still not clear how the teen gained access to the vehicle.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Westchester County Department of Public Safety