A 4-year-old Wayne County boy received life-threatening injuries after a Thursday evening crash near the intersection of Round Barn Road and U.S. 40 West.
The crash took place shortly before 7:45 p.m. on Richmond’s far-west side.
Sheriff Randy Retter said a white 2002 Pontiac van driven by David Kirkendall-Hollingsworth, 23, of Richmond, was westbound on U.S.40 approaching Round Barn.
A black 2021 Ford truck driven by Christopher Justice, 28, of Cambridge City, was eastbound on U.S. 40 in the left lane.
The vehicle driven by Kirkendall-Hollingsworth began a left turn across the eastbound lanes in an effort to enter the lot of a corner convenience store. Justice attempted to avoid the collision but was unable to and collided with the van, Retter said.
A third vehicle, a silver 2003 Buick driven by William Seifer, 40, of Richmond, was then struck by Justice’s vehicle in a secondary collision, Retter said.
Nine of the 10 people involved in the crash suffered injuries.
The most severe injuries were sustained by David Kirkendall, 4, who was a passenger in Kirkendall-Hollingsworth’s van.
The boy was flown by air-ambulance to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis after initial treatment at Reid Health.
As of Friday afternoon, he remained in critical condition at Riley.
The three drivers, as well as the other passengers, all received minor injuries. They are Hannah Kirkendall, 21, of Richmond; Aspen Kirkendall, 19 months; Gabriel Sheperd, 24, of Cambridge City, Kewanne Sheperd, 22, of Cambridge City, Andrew Justice, 2, and Jade Justice, 4, All children involved appeared to have been properly restrained.
Retter thanked all law enforcement and first responders who helped during this serious crash, including Centerville and Richmond Police Departments, Centerville Volunteer and Richmond Fire Departments, Red Line Ambulance, Reid Health Ambulance and LifeLine Air-Ambulance.
By Millicent Martin Emery