LORAIN, Ohio — A 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were killed in a crash on East 29th Street in Lorain Thursday. The driver, a 16-year-old boy, did not have a valid license, police said in a news release.
"It’s sad, it was real sad," said a witness who does not want to be identified.
Lorain police responded at around 12:27 a.m. Thursday to the 2000 block of East 29th Street for a double fatal crash.
Investigators determined a 2006 Chevy HHR, driven by a 16-year-old boy from Lorain, was traveling westbound on East 29th Street at a high-rate of speed when it lost control after passing the intersection of Oakwood Avenue.
The vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and eventually came to a stop after striking a tree, police said.
"We ran to the car, tried to help but the cops came," said the witness. "When the cops came they went in the car and tried to help the people inside the car."
The 16-year-old driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to MercyHealth where he underwent medical treatment and was later released.
A 15-year-old boy from Lorain, who was a front-seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The back seat passenger, a 13-year-old girl from Lorain, was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Excessive speed and reckless driving appear to be factors in the crash, authorities said. The roadway was closed for about 6 hours while the scene was investigated.
Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash, police said.
This is the seventh traffic-related fatal crash this year in Lorain.
After the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office for criminal charges.
Anyone with information relating to this crash is asked to call Officer Gelenius at 440-204-2115.
