2 St. Clair County students killed in crash; schools prepare grief support for Monday
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — Two St. Clair County students were killed and another person was injured in a single-vehicle crash Friday afternoon near Chandler Mountain, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
ALEA said a 16-year-old driving a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado was killed when the pickup left the road and struck a tree. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 10-year-old passenger was critically injured and taken to a local hospital, where the child later died, ALEA said. An 18-year-old passenger was also injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.
None of the three people in the Silverado was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to ALEA.
The crash happened about 3:50 p.m. Friday on Mount Lebanon Road near Chandler Mountain Road, about six miles west of Steele in St. Clair County.
St. Clair County Schools confirmed Saturday that the two people killed were students in the district. The school system did not identify them, citing respect for their families.
“There is nothing I can say that makes a day like this any easier,” Superintendent Rusty St. John said. “Our hearts and prayers are with the families, and with the Steele and Ashville communities.”
Additional counselors and crisis-response staff will be available beginning Monday at Steele Elementary School, Ashville Elementary School, Ashville Middle School and Ashville High School. The district said support will remain available as long as students and staff need it.
Parents who would like their child to speak with a counselor can contact their school office.
Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are continuing to investigate.