Two teens who died after their SUV collided with an Akron fire truck have been identified.
LaShae Johnson, a 16-year-old junior at Akron East High School, and Briyana Hayes, a 15-year-old sophomore at Buchtel High School, were killed in the crash on Rhodes and Exchange Friday Afternoon, according to Akron Public Schools. A GoFundMe account has been set up in LaShae's name.
Six others were injured in the accident. Three of those hurt were Akron firefighters, but they apparently only sustained minor injuries.
Investigators say the fire engine was heading to a training exercise and not responding to an emergency call when the crash occurred.
Akron Police Chief Dan Zampelli says that according to witnesses, the SUV went through a red light and proceeded to strike the fire truck.
On Friday evening, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Fire Chief Clarence Tucker issued a joint statement:
“We are deeply saddened by this truly tragic incident. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims and all individuals involved, including the three members of our Fire Department.
The City is conducting a full investigation into the events surrounding this accident and will provide additional information to the public as it is known. We encourage residents to await accurate information from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, and to join us in lifting up those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”
WKYC Channel 3's Hilary Golston arrived at the crash site on Friday evening as the clean-up was continuing. She posted the following videos on Twitter:
What we know after a deadly crash in living an Akron fire engine @wkyc https://t.co/bpF4XwiUyP
— Hilary Golston (@hilarygolston) July 15, 2017
Fire engine and truck removed from the scene after a deadly Akron crash @wkyc pic.twitter.com/JH0Vo1q7MS
— Hilary Golston (@hilarygolston) July 15, 2017
Stay with WKYC.com for more information as this story develops.
