The death of another high school student raised the death count to four in connection with a fatal car accident that happened during the first weekend in June. A fifth student was injured in the crash and is now the only surviving occupant of the car that was wrecked.
Three other students died because of multiple trauma sustained to their internal organs, as well as injuries to their heads and necks, according to the Lorain County coroner. There has been no evidence of drug or alcohol abuse in connection with the accident, though the investigation into possible negligence remains ongoing.
Reports indicate that a car carrying the five teens became airborne and flipped onto its roof during the early morning hours of June 3. Initial reports indicate that the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier may have been speeding just before the accident, which happened after the driver lost control of the vehicle near a railroad crossing. The car swerved off of the road and was launched onto its roof after striking a tree.
The student who most recently died from his injuries had been thrown from the backseat of the vehicle. After the accident, he was airlifted to local hospital facilities.
The 18-year-old, along with the driver of the vehicle, was supposed to graduate from high school during the second week in June. Both students had attended Brunswick High School. Also killed in the accident were a 17-year-old male student and a 16-year-old girl. A 17-year-old female occupant survived the crash, but physicians have not released information about her condition.
Area residents say that the railroad crossing is notoriously dangerous. Even careful drivers who are traveling at about 45 mph are likely to become airborne if they hit the tracks too suddenly, according to local motorists. Troopers have so far attributed the accident to excessive speed. No other fatal crashes have occurred at the site in recent years, though minor accidents seem to be relatively common.
Source: The News-Messenger, “Fourth student dies of injuries after weekend car crash,” Dan Sewell, June 5, 2012