PONTIAC (WWJ) — Three people are dead — a parent and their two young children — after a holiday weekend crash in Pontiac Friday night.
It happened around 8:20 p.m. at the intersection of Montcalm and Joslyn Roads in Pontiac, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
A 37-year-old from Pontiac and three children — a 4-year-old, a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old — were sitting in a Chevy Malibu at a red light when a Honda Civic driven by a 21-year-old from Pontiac slammed into their car.
Just prior to the crash, the sheriff’s office says the Honda had crossed into oncoming traffic “for unknown reasons” and went off the east side of the road. The car hit multiple signs and pols before coming back up onto the road and hitting the Chevy, according to the sheriff’s office.
First responders were on the scene in a matter of minutes and began life-saving measures, but the driver of the Chevy was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two younger children were rushed to the hospital, but succumbed to their injuries. The 9-year-old remains in critical condition at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, as of a Saturday morning update from the sheriff’s office.
“This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a parent and two young children,” Sheriff Mike Bouchard said, per a press release. “Our investigators will work tirelessly to determine the full circumstances of this incident, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family as they navigate this profound loss.”
The at-fault driver is in stable condition, according to police.
At this time, investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash. The possible involvement of alcohol or drugs remains under investigation.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims. The family has set up a GoFundMe Page. You can donate here.