A 14-year-old driver was killed and his three teenage passengers were injured in a brutal high-speed crash in upstate New York in the early morning of November 19, according to NBC 5.
Police were called to Depot Road in Mooers, New York, right around 2 a.m. after a vehicle was reported to be on fire with someone possibly stuck inside. An investigation determined that a 14-year-old boy from the nearby town of Rouses Point was driving west in a 2011 Honda Ridgeline at a high rate of speed, NBC 5 said. That’s when he lost control while navigating a curve, going off the road and striking multiple trees before coming to a stop. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The three passengers in the vehicle – another 14-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl – were all injured and transported to a local hospital for initial treatment. After that, they were transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center where they are said to be in stable but critical condition, police told WCAX 3.
Tom Brandell, Northeastern Clinton Middle School principal, issued the following statement to NBC 5:
“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of an automobile accident involving four of our district students early this morning. Regrettably, a high school student has lost their life, and another high school student and two middle school students are currently hospitalized.
Before students arrive, each building’s faculty and staff will gather for an update on the situation. Our Crisis Team has been activated, and we are prepared to address the needs of our students and staff. A dedicated team of counselors will be available to speak with students who may require assistance at the middle school and high school.
During this challenging time, we are committed to supporting our school community. Please reach out to our school counselors or main office if your child needs assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these students. Please know that we stand ready to assist in any way we can.”
Right now, we still aren’t sure how the 14-year-old got behind the wheel of the Ridgeline, considering the age to get your driver’s license in New York is 16. Since it’s still early days for the investigation, Jalopnik will have updates as more information becomes available.
