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2 Killed, 6 Hospitalized In Peoria County Crash

ambulance with lights on
WCBU file photo

Two children are dead and six others were hospitalized in a two-vehicle collision just outside of Peoria on Sunday.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said the crash happened shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday on Charter Oak Road near Charter Oak Lane just west of city limits.Harwood said a westbound vehicle collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle after one of them crossed the center line. Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell said a Toyota sedan with eight people inside crossed the center line and struck a Lexus SUV.

Asbell said a 14-year-old passenger in one of the vehicles was declared dead at the scene. Later, a one-year-old passenger from that same vehicle was declared dead at the hospital.

Harwood said the driver of the other vehicle is in stable condition at OSF. The conditions of the others who were hospitalized range from minor to critical, Asbell said.Harwood said autopsies are scheduled for Monday. His office won’t release information about the two people who died until Monday.

Asbell said 30-year-old Laetitia Bolodjwa, the Toyota's driver, was issued numerous tickets, including driving in the wrong lane and failing to secure a child in an approved child safety restraint. Her case is being forwarded to the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office for review and potential charges, Asbell said.

Harwood said the crash remains under investigation.

The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Peoria police and fire, the Dunlap Fire Department and Advanced Medical Transport responded to the crash.Charter Oak Road between Frostwood Parkway and Orange Prairie Road was closed for three hours Sunday afternoon as crews cleared the scene.

Eric Stock is a reporter at WGLT.