8-year-old CVUSD student killed in crash on State Route 86
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) - A Coachella Valley Unified School District student was killed in a crash Tuesday morning in Imperial County.
The student's death was first announced by the district on Tuesday. The California Highway Patrol shared new details Wednesday.
The crash happened at around 11:05 a.m. on Brawley Avenue, approaching a posted stop sign at the intersection of State Route 86, near Salton Sea Beach
Police said a Chevrolet was at a stop sign, when for reasons still under investigation, the driver traveled into the direct lane of travel of a 2011 Toyota Highlander traveling northbound at approximately 65-70 miles per hour.
The front of the Chevrolet crashed into the right side of the Toyota, causing the Toyota to overturn.
An 8-year-old girl who was a passenger in the Toyota was ejected from the vehicle. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
Additionally, the driver of the Toyota, a 38-year-old woman, and another passenger, a 2-year-old girl were injured and rushed to the hospital.
The driver of the Chevrolet and a passenger were not injured.
Police said investigators determined the 8-year-old girl was the only passenger from the two involved vehicles not restrained.
CVUSD shared a statement on the crash, which reads in part, "This loss is deeply felt by our entire school community, and we understand the emotional weight it carries for all of us."
The district is encouraging anyone who needs support or assistance to contact CVUSD Student Support Services at 760-848-1161.
The California Highway Patrol issued a reminder to the community that regular seat belt use is the single most effective way for people to reduce injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle collisions.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any continuing updates.
