MERRIFIELD, Va. — Six teens have been hospitalized with critical injuries after a crash in Merrifield early Monday morning.
Officers with the Fairfax County Police Department responded to Pioneer Lane, off of Shreve Road, in Merrifield after a report of a crash in the area that happened before 5 a.m. Upon arrival, they were able to determine it was a single-vehicle collision which involved seven juveniles.
Police said six of the seven teens were taken to the hospital to be treated for their life-threatening injuries. One of the teens, the 17-year-old driver of the vehicle, was arrested for driving under the influence. After consultation with the Office of the Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney, it was decided he would not be charged immeditely. Charges are now pending as the investigation continues. Detective do believe speed and alcohol were a factor.
The police department confirmed to WUSA9 that all of the teens are between the ages of 14 and 17. At the time of the crash, only the driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Through an initial investigation, it was determined that the driver was going at a high rate of speed in the area and hit a tree, which resulted in five of the teens being ejected from the car. One of the teens had to be extricated from the vehicle.
"It's a tragedy especially on Thanksgiving week," one neighbor said. "I can't imagine what these families are going through."
Rocky Fabrizio said he heard a loud boom just feet away from his daughter's home on Pioneer Lane. He walked outside to see the heavy presence of police and his son-in-law's car damaged.
"The projectile from the SUV went through his car," Fabrizio told WUSA9. "It looked like there were people thrown from the car. They were tending to people that were over in one yard and some people across the street they were attending to."
Fabrizio said behind his son-in-law's car, he saw one person lying on the ground. He also witnessed the driver arrested conduct a field sobriety test with police.
"A young gal came by while police were here and she had seen the vehicle earlier with the kids hanging out the window and yelling at her while driving by and she wanted to report it to police," Fabrizio added.
Five of the students involved are students at George C. Marshall High School, according to a letter sent by the principal to the community.
"At this time, we are still gathering details and are waiting for news of those who are in the hospital," Principal Jeffrey Litz said in his letter. "Students are slowly hearing the names of the teens who were involved. Our psychologist and social worker, along with our school counselors are available to provide support. We will be sharing more details when we are able. If your child is in need of support right now, please have them come to Student Services or let us know and we will seek them out."