Five Killed in Highway Crash
posted 9:10 pm Mon December 31, 2007 - Toledo, Ohio
Police in Toledo, Ohio, say a drunken driver sped down a highway in the wrong direction for about four miles before his pickup truck slammed into a minivan carrying a Maryland family home after a holiday trip. A woman and four children in the minivan, including an 8-week-old girl, were killed in the crash that scattered toys, stuffed animals and bits of gift wrap along the edge of the road.
Both drivers tried to avoid each other, but the crash ripped a side door off the minivan, throwing out some of the victims.
Police say 36-year-old Bethany Griffin, 10-year-old Jordan Griffin and 8-week-old Vadi Griffin, 7-year-old Lacie Burkman and 10-year-old Haley Burkman were killed. All are from Parkville, Marylandd.
A hospital spokeswoman says 36-year-old Danny Griffin Junior and 8-year-old Beu Burkman are listed in serious condition and 8-year-old Sidney Griffin is in critical condition.
Police say 24-year-old Michael Gagnon, of Adrian, Michigan, was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide. Tests showed that he had a blood-alcohol level of .254 percent.
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