2 killed when SUV packed with children loses control, rolls into water, ND cops say

Two boys are dead after an SUV packed with children lost control and crashed into water near a highway, North Dakota officials said.

The fatal crash happened along Interstate 94 in Stutsman County, which is roughly 110 miles west from Fargo, the state Highway Patrol said in a July 16 news release.

Investigators said a 30-year-old woman was driving eastbound in a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, with seven children riding inside, when she lost control after being passed by a big rig, KVLY and Highway Patrol reported.

The SUV veered off the road and started to roll, coming to a stop on its side in a nearby body of water, investigators said.

All but two passengers survived and were taken to hospitals for treatment, according to officials. The boys, ages 7 and 10, were found dead at the scene following a search.

Sgt. Jon Skalicky said a passerby saw the SUV in the pond and helped several children escape the wreckage and water, the Associated Press reported.

Four of the kids suffered minor injuries, according to the outlet. A 9-year-old girl’s injuries were life-threatening, and the driver’s were considered serious, officials said.

The driver was the aunt of the boys who died and mother to two other kids who were in the SUV, investigators told the AP.

Officials did not clarify whether they believe the big rig contributed to the crash.

The state Highway Patrol is asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or with information about it, to contact them at 701-328-2447.

This story was originally published July 17, 2024 at 7:34 AM with the headline "2 killed when SUV packed with children loses control, rolls into water, ND cops say."