3 killed when car splits in 2 in interstate crash in Gary
GARY, Ind. (AP) - Three people from the Chicago area were killed when a car they were passengers in struck a barrier wall along an interstate early Sunday and then split it two when it hit a large support pole for an overhead sign, state police said.
The victims were identified as 21-year-old Shaquita Kendrick of Harvey, Illinois, 20-year-old Timothy Riley of Chicago and 21-year-old William Burton of Calumet City, Illinois.
State Trooper Carson House says a car being driven by Robert Hayes, 22, of Chicago was headed west on Interstate Highway 80-94 about 3:35 a.m. Sunday just east of Cline Avenue. Police say he lost control after passing a semi-trailer.
State Trooper Carson House said the front of the 2010 Dodge Avenger was facing west on the interstate and the rest of the vehicle was facing east. Passing motorists stopped and put out a small fire.
Kendrick was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene, House said. Riley was trapped between the barrier wall and the car and pronounced dead.
Burton died at North Lake Methodist Hospital in Gary. A third backseat passenger was hospitalized while Hayes was taken to North Lake Methodist Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Police are investigating the crash.