Three Killed Including 4-Year-Old in Upstate NY Crash Caused by Drunk Driver
A Memorial Day weekend trip ended in tragedy for a New Jersey family after their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver near Buffalo, New York, killing three family members including a 4-year-old girl. The crash occurred Sunday morning at the intersection of Route 20A and Maxon Road in Sheldon, a small town about 30 miles southeast of Buffalo.
Four-year-old Kiara Hernandez of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, died from head injuries in the hospital, while her mother, 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro, and grandmother, 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz, were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, authorities confirmed.
Drunk Driver Blows Stop Sign, Slams Family SUV
The family of nine was traveling west on Route 20A to Niagara Falls when their Kia Sedona minivan was struck by a Dodge Ram pickup driven by 20-year-old Richard Sawicki of Lackawanna, New York.
Investigators say Sawicki ran a stop sign and T-boned their vehicle. He was arrested at the scene and faces charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless driving. Sawicki is currently held on $200,000 bond and is due back in court on June 10.
Multiple Injuries, Seatbelt Concerns Highlighted
Besides the fatalities, six other people ranging from 4 to 55 years old were injured in the crash. This included two surviving 4-year-olds, two other children ages 10 and 14, a 26-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man. Hospital reports indicate the 55-year-old was later released, while others remain under medical care.
Authorities revealed that the Kia Sedona was only designed to seat seven people but was carrying nine. Notably, none of the three 4-year-olds inside were secured in car seats and some passengers were reportedly not wearing seatbelts.
Community Reacts to Tragic Loss
“Anytime a child is involved – and in this case, we had five – it pulls at you,” said Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph. “It’s a tragedy.”
Neighbors expressed outrage toward the driver. Nelson Nunez, who lives upstairs from the family, said:
“That guy should pay for what he did. If you drink, don’t drive.”
Emergency Response Details
Audio from the emergency dispatcher paints a grim picture of the scene:
“I have an MVA at 20A and Maxon Road… there are people laying in the roadway,” the dispatcher said.
An officer responded: “Gonna have to get Mercy Flight on standby… I got at least 5 to 6 people… infants… down.”
What’s Next in the Case
Sawicki was briefly hospitalized and then released into police custody. He remains charged with serious felonies related to the crash. His next court appearance is set for June 10, where prosecutors are expected to move forward strongly due to the fatalities and injuries involved.
This devastating crash serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving, especially during busy travel weekends. It also highlights ongoing concerns about child passenger safety and seatbelt use nationwide.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, urging drivers everywhere to stay alert and sober behind the wheel.
