HELLERTOWN, Pa. (WTXF/AP) - Officials say a second child has died after a crash on I-78 in Northampton County that also claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy.
According to the coroner, 2 -year-old Brielle Robinson died shortly after 11 a.m. Friday at at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. An autopsy will be performed on Monday morning to determine the cause of death.
The crash happened in the eastbound lanes at about 1am at mile marker 70.6 in Lower Saucon Township. That's east of Allentown, between the Hellertown and Route 33 exits overnight Wednesday.
SKYFOX showed the horrific scene.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the driver of a Nissan Versa - Nadine Walton of Newark, N.J. -- was heading eastbound in the left lane with another woman, a five-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl inside.
Then, "for an unknown reason" she ran off the left side of the highway. She tried to correct for that but "swerved back against both lanes of travel" and "struck a guard rail located on the right side of the roadway." Her car ended up disabled in the left lane and three passengers were ejected, even though they all were using seat belts and child safety seats.
Then, a man from Easton, Pa., driving a Kia Forte in the left lane hit the Nissan.
After that, a man from Warren, N.J., driving a Dodge Caravan minivan also struck the Nissan.
5-year-old Rayvon in the Nissan was killed at the scene. Walton, the driver, "sustained serious injuries," and everyone else from the Nissan was taken to the hospital.
Both of the other drivers were taken to hospitals, each with a "suspected minor injury," as well. They were also wearing their seat belts.
Police say "open alcoholic containers were located inside" the Nissan and the investigation is underway. No charges have been filed.