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Truck driver who killed 4 children did not slow, report says

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According to the Indiana State Police, the truck driver who struck a car killing 2 teens and 2 children was going 72 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Witnesses said that the truck, driven by 33-year-old Cory Withrow, was driving erratically prior to the crash.

The accident occurred on Interstate 70, just west of the Cambridge City exit. in Wayne County, Indiana at approximately 5:00 pm on Thursday, July 9, 2020. The speed limit in the area was 55 mph; however, witnesses said that traffic was going much slower due to the highway merging into one lane.

According to police, the truck, crashed into a Chevrolet car, driven by Aaron Bruce of Kansas City, Missouri.

“The Kenworth failed to slow down and hit a Chevrolet passenger car in the rear that was slowed in the right lane, pushing it forward into the left rear corner of  a semi trailer which was also in the right lane directly in front of the passenger car.  The first semi continued pushing the passenger car into the left lane and eventually off onto the berm of the left lane where the two vehicles burst into flames,” the Indiana State Police report states.

Passersby were able to pull Aaron Bruce out of the car. Sadly, four others in the car could not be saved. 15-year-old Anesa Noel Acosta, 13-year-old Quintin Michael McGowan, 8-year-old Brekkin Riley Bruce, 6-year-old Trentin Beau Bruce were killed in the crash.

Aaron Bruce was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis. He suffered severe injuries, including burns to more than 50% of his body and internal injuries.

Withrow was drug tested at the scene. The results showed that Withrow was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. According to the ISP, when authorities arrived on the scene, they found Withrow on the side of the road. He appeared to be staggering and his speech was slurred.

Withrow was taken by police to Reid Hospital. Authorities said that while on the way to the hospital, Withrow struggled to stay awake.

At the hospital, Withrow refused a blood draw. Authorities had to obtain a warrant for the test.

The blood results showed that Withrow was under the influence of marijuana, amphetamines and methamphetamine.

According to WDTN News in Ohio, the driver, Cory Withrow, has two previous convictions. In 2016, Withrow was convicted of heroin possession and in 2015, he was convicted of reckless driving and drug paraphernalia.

At the time of the crash, Withrow was allegedly driving for Barnets Inc., the news station reports. The company is based out of Camden, Ohio.

Withrow faces 9 charges, including 4 counts of causing death when operating a motor vehicle, one count of causing catastrophic injuries and 4 counts of reckless homicide.

Withrow is currently out on bond, awaiting trial.

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