GREENSBORO, N.C. — Police said three teens died and a Greensboro police officer was injured in a crash early Wednesday morning.
At 2:15 a.m., an officer noticed a car going the wrong way on West Market Street at East Lake Drive and attempted a traffic stop.
Police said the driver refused to stop and sped off. GPD said a vehicle pursuit began upon the suspicion of impairment. The suspect vehicle hit one of the responding patrol cars on Walker Avenue.
Guilford County Schools said it was saddened to learn about the loss of three of its students.
"Crisis teams will be available to support students and staff. Our hearts are with the families during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy and the ongoing investigation, no additional information will be provided," the district said in a statement provided Thursday.
Mike Eilman lives on the street where the crash happened. He said he heard the crash but didn't realize what happened at first.
"I [was] just walking out the door, and I saw the car go by and a police officer chasing them," said Eilman said. "And then just at that same time is when you hear the boom, I wasn't even looking down this way because it was like so fast at the moment that it's like 'woah.' And then you hear the boom."
Police said the officer and all three passengers in the other car were extracted by responding officers, who immediately began rendering aid.
Maury Kennedy also lives on the street and saw first responders working quickly to get the crash victims out.
"You saw them pulling one or two out and then immediately pulling them away to get them away from the fire, and immediately started CPR," Kennedy said. "And then it was so chaotic. And at that point, I wanted to back up. I want to be respectful of space, but, I saw enough to know that something really tragic had happened."
Police said two 14-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy died from their injuries. Police have notified their families but have not released their identities at this time.
The officer was seriously injured and went to a local hospital.
Eilman said he saw the cars catch fire and heard officers yelling for fire extinguishers.
"The police officer that was following them down - once he stopped, I heard him go: 'Fire extinguishers, tell all the others that we're coming through,'" he recalled. "So, at that point, I knew...there was a fire where he thought something was happening, and then you could just see smoke out all over the place."
Greensboro police have asked State Troopers to investigate the crash too.
The Greensboro Police Department's Professional Standards Division will also conduct an internal investigation to determine if departmental policies were followed, according to a press release sent by GPD.
“As members of the Greensboro community, we recognize that this is a tragic event that affects us all. Any loss of life is difficult, especially when it involves the loss of such young lives. Please continue to keep the families, first responders, and all those affected by this incident in your prayers as we navigate through this challenging time," said GPD.
The officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, GPD said.
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