Troopers: Distracted driver causes crash, killing unrestrained 6-year-old boy in another vehicle

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) — A 6-year-old boy was killed in a crash in Virginia that was caused by distracted driving, police said.

Virginia State Police said the crash happened Sunday around 8 p.m. on Interstate 64 in Henrico County.

A vehicle traveling eastbound lost control while the driver was using a cellphone, Virginia State Police said. The vehicle spun in the roadway and struck the center guardrail.

A second vehicle traveling behind the first tried to avoid the initial crash, but the driver lost control and ran off the right side of the interstate. The vehicle went through a guardrail and down an embankment before coming to a stop against a tree.

The 6-year-old boy was in the second vehicle and was partially ejected through the rear passenger-side window. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Virginia State Police said the child was not wearing a seat belt. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured.

Charges are pending with the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Further details, including identities, were not provided.