Boy, 5, killed in crash on Interstate 78
LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A 5-year-old boy is dead, while four adults and a 2-year-old girl are hospitalized, after a crash on Interstate 78 in Northampton County.
The crash happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday in the eastbound lanes of I-78 in Lower Saucon Township near the Hellertown interchange.
According to state police a 2011 Nissan Versa, driven by 54-year-old Nadine Walton of Newark, N.J., veered from the left lane and onto the left shoulder.
The driver quickly over-corrected, crossing both lanes and hitting the right guard rail before ending up back in the left lane.
The Nissan was then struck by two oncoming cars, a Kia Forte and a Dodge Caravan, that were traveling in the left lane.
Police say all three passengers from the Nissan, including 5-year-old Rayvon Robinson, a 2-year-old girl, and 31-year-old Stefany Stephens, were thrown from the vehicle.
Rayvon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Walton was taken to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest Hospital, along with the injured Nissan passengers.
The driver's injuries were described as serious.
The drivers of the Kia and Dodge vehicles were taken to area hospitals with injuries described as minor.
Police say open containers of alcohol were found in the Nissan.
No charges have been filed, pending the result of further investigation.
All lanes of I-78 East were shut down for nearly 11 hours between Route 412 and Route 33 as police investigated.
An extensive backup, consisting mostly of tractor-trailers, was visible approaching the scene.
The eastbound lanes were finally reopened shortly before noon.
