15-Year-Old Killed, 17-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Butler Co. Crash
CLAY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- State police say a 15-year-old girl was killed and another teenager was seriously injured in a late night, fiery vehicle crash in Butler County.
The victims have been identified as Alexis McKinney, 15, and Bryant Butler, 17.
The accident happened just after 11:10 p.m. Wednesday on Thompsontown Road near Dingel Road in Clay Township.
According to state police, the Chevrolet Blazer the teens were in was headed north on Thompsontown Road when it left the roadway.
Authorities say the SUV ended up overturning several times when Butler attempted to steer the vehicle back on to the road.
"Driver overcorrected in the steering, lost control of the vehicle, rolled over three times," State Trooper Dan Kesten said.
Both teenagers were ejected from the wreckage and the vehicle caught fire.
State police say McKinney was pronounced dead at the scene. Her parents came to the accident scene frantic to find their child.
"They went through what most parents dread they never have to go through," Don Dingle, a witness who lives nearby, said.
Butler, who investigators say was driving, was flown by medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
"Alcohol was detected in the driver," Trooper Kesten said.
Meantime, the South Butler County School District is mourning the loss of McKinney.
"The entire South Butler County School District community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Alexis McKinney, who would have entered 11th grade at Knoch High School in August. Alexis was fifteen years old. Active in school activities, Alexis was a positive influence on friends, classmates and district staff," the district said in a statement.
Grief counselors will be at the school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Monday.
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