What started as a joyful family getaway turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a sudden early morning crash on a rural highway claimed the lives of two young children.
Authorities say the family had set out before dawn, excited for a weekend adventure filled with laughter, photos, and time together. Their SUV was packed with snacks, blankets, and plans for a peaceful escape to the countryside. But a stretch of slick asphalt and a fast-moving storm changed everything.
Just after 7:30 a.m., on a winding section of road known for poor visibility in heavy rain, the family’s vehicle lost control and veered off the shoulder. Investigators believe it hydroplaned, skidding on a layer of standing water before rolling down a steep embankment and striking several trees.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes. Despite the storm, firefighters and paramedics worked desperately to free the passengers trapped inside. Two children were pronounced dead at the scene, while their parents and teenage sibling were airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
“It was one of the toughest calls we’ve ever faced,” said one first responder. “The rain was coming down hard, and the scene was devastating.”
Locals say the stretch of highway has long been dangerous during storms. Residents have repeatedly called for better drainage and guardrails, warning that water often pools along the curves. “When it rains, that road becomes a trap,” one neighbor said.
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