Five Junior High School Students Killed In Deadly Vermont Crash, Driver Who Caused Crash Killed More After Stealing Police Cruiser

A man in Vermont was driving the wrong way on an interstate highway leading to the death of five teenagers, who are said to be junior high school students. After the first crash, the man then escaped by stealing a police cruiser, which later resulted to more crashes.

The co-principal of Harwood Union High School, Amy Rex, confirmed that four of the teenagers who died had attended the aforementioned high school, according to ABC News.  The other student was from a different school, which was not mentioned. The killed teenagers have been identified as 16-year-olds Mary Harris, Cyrus Zschau, Liam Hale, and Eli Brookens; and 15-yearold Janie Cozzi. Rex said of the deaths, "This is an unprecedented tragedy; we have suffered a tremendous loss. These students were vibrant members of our school community, actively involved and all with a promise for a bright future."

The high school will reportedly offer counseling for anyone who needs it. A vigil will also be held at the high school at around 6 p.m. on Monday.

Aside from the five deaths, more injuries were also reported, but it was not specified how many were injured in the next crash. Two vehicles were also engulfed in flames, NECN reported.

The driver responsible for the crash was identified as 36-year-old Steven Bourgoin. He is said to be in the hospital for the treatment of his injuries, but it was not stated what kind of wounds he suffered from. Initially, emergency dispatchers received calls of a vehicle traveling north on a southbound lane on Saturday. When officials arrived at the scene, a vehicle was in flames and while the authorities were extinguishing the fire, Bourgoin stole a police cruiser then sped away.

A Richmond police officer tried to stop Bourgoin, and he sped towards the crash scene. This then caused him to strike seven more vehicles and the police cruiser burst into flames. The injured people remain unclear but they have been taken to hospitals.

It is unclear what led to Bourgoin to drive north in a southbound lane. The investigation is ongoing. Police officials are asking anyone with information to call 802-878-7111