It was just a normal day at the Dollar General Store in Lawrence County, Kentucky. Then it instantly became a day the emploees here would never forget.
Amanda Levering was working inside. She says she and the others inside first thought a truck tire had exploded when they first heard the crash, but they soon learned otherwise.
It didn't take long for emergency crews to get there, but sometimes no matter how quick the response and how diligent the effort lives are lost. In this case, it was two young lives. Kristi Blevins and Marinda Perry, both only 17 years old, were killed. Kristi's 11 year old sister, Shelby, who was also in the car was seriously injured. The driver of the other car, James Preece, a 41 year old man from Louisa was also injured. Police are still trying to figure out if anyone was wearing a seatbelt.
People who live and work in the area saythis spot of Route 2565 is normally a safe one.
Kentucky State Police say Mr. Preece's car crossed the center line, hitting the girl's car head on. Now they'll try to figure out what led to the crossover.
Route 2565 was closed for about five hours while State Police accident reconstruction specialists examined the scene. The accident happened around 3:45 Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of State Route 32.
According to police reports, James Preece was traveling south on State Route 2565, the car driven by Kristi Blevins was traveling north. Investigators say Preece crossed over into the northbound land and struck Blevins head on. The Lawrence County Coronor pronounced both Kristi Blevins and Marinda Perry dead at the scene. Shelby Blevins and James Preece were both flown to Cabell Huntington Hospital. Their condition is not immediately available.
According to a Kentucky State Police press release, investigators say it is unclear if alcohol or drugs were suspected in the collision. Investigators are also trying to determine if seat belts were in use by any of the victims.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation. The Kentucky State Police is handling the investigation.
Stay tuned to WSAZ NewsChannel 3 and WSAZ.com for the latest on this developing story.
News Features
Save
Email
Print
260 comments
Photos
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}