5 Teens Killed By Wrong-Way Driver (Photos)
Five Vermont teens were killed in a tragic accident involving a wrong-way driver, who might have stolen a police vehicle after the crash.
State police received a call about a truck heading north on a southbound interstate just before midnight on Oct. 8, WCAX reports.
A car with five teenagers inside was hit by the truck and then burst into flames, killing all five passengers.
Friends of the victims said the teens were on their way home from a concert at the time of the collision.
The first officer to arrive on the scene pulled a female victim from the blazing car, and then attempted to put out the flames.
That’s when Steven Bourgoin, 36, reportedly stole the officer’s cruiser and drove off with the lights flashing.
Another officer attempted to intercept the stolen patrol car, but Bourgoin allegedly turned around and headed back toward the crash site — hitting seven other vehicles along the way.
Upon arriving at the crash site, fire officials found two cars on fire, including the police cruiser.
Bourgoin was detained and then taken to the hospital, where he was reported to be in critical condition.
Five other victims were taken to the hospital.
The five teenagers who were killed in the initial crash were identified as Eli Brookens, Janie Cozzi, Liam Hale, Mary Harris and Cyrus Zschau.
Four of the five teens were students at Harwood Union High School, according to Heavy.
“This is an unprecedented tragedy; we have suffered a tremendous loss,” school principal Amy Rex said in a statement. “These students were vibrant members of our school community, actively involved and all with a promise for a bright future.”
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin reportedly reached out to the victims’ families.
“The loss of five teens in such a senseless tragedy is unimaginable and heartbreaking,” Shumlin said in a statement. “Vermont is a community, and today we join the Harwood Union family, and share the sadness and loss of the families and friends of these teens. My deepest sympathies are with their loved ones.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether Bourgoin was the wrong-way driver responsible for killing the teens, but charges are expected to be filed against him upon completion of the investigation.