Wayne County, IN – A tragic early-morning crash in Wayne County, Indiana, has left a 13-year-old dead and four other teenagers injured after a stolen vehicle veered off the road and slammed into trees near the Indiana-Ohio state line, authorities confirmed.
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, has prompted an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement and raised serious concerns about youth safety, stolen vehicles, and late-night driving.
Crash Reported Just After 2:30 a.m.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 2:33 a.m. after receiving reports that a vehicle carrying multiple occupants had run off the roadway and struck several trees.
When first responders arrived at Greenmount Pike near the Indiana-Ohio border, they discovered a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox resting on the north side of the road, heavily damaged after colliding with trees.
Emergency crews immediately began assessing the occupants and securing the crash scene.
Vehicle Failed to Navigate Curve, Investigators Say
A preliminary investigation revealed that the Chevrolet Equinox was traveling north on State Line Road when the driver failed to navigate a curve as the roadway transitioned into Greenmount Pike.
Authorities said the vehicle slid off the north side of the roadway before crashing into multiple trees, causing catastrophic damage to the SUV.
Investigators noted that speed, road conditions, and driver inexperience may be factors under review, though no official cause has yet been determined.
13-Year-Old Passenger Pronounced Dead at Scene
Officials confirmed that five people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. A 13-year-old passenger, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s name has not been released, pending notification of family members.
The loss has deeply impacted the local community, as investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome.
Teen Driver and Passengers Suffer Injuries
The driver, identified as a 17-year-old, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Two back-seat passengers, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, were transported to a hospital in Dayton, Ohio, for treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
A third back-seat passenger, also 17 years old, was taken to a hospital in Richmond, Indiana, where they were treated for injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
Authorities confirmed that all injured occupants were teenagers.
Vehicle Reported Stolen Days Before Crash
As the investigation continued, deputies learned that the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox involved in the crash had been reported stolen in Richmond on Thursday, just days before the fatal incident.
Officials did not immediately release details about how the teens came into possession of the vehicle or whether additional charges may be filed related to the theft.
The discovery that the SUV was stolen adds another serious layer to the investigation and could result in criminal consequences for those involved.
Investigation Ongoing, Details Limited
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office stated that the crash remains under active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time.
Investigators are expected to examine factors such as vehicle speed, seatbelt use, driver experience, and the circumstances surrounding the vehicle theft. Authorities are also working to reconstruct the crash and determine whether impairment played any role.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge parents and guardians to talk with teens about the risks of unsafe driving and riding in vehicles under dangerous circumstances.
As the investigation continues, the Wayne County community is left mourning the loss of a young life and hoping for the recovery of the injured teens.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash? Do you think more needs to be done to prevent teens from accessing stolen vehicles or driving late at night? Share your thoughts, condolences, and opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
