New York State Police say driver inexperience, distraction and speed were factors in a crash that killed four teenagers and injured a fifth over the weekend.
Trooper Mark O'Donnell told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle the sole survivor of Saturday's early-morning crash in Allegany County was the only one wearing a seatbelt.
The crash in Burns killed driver Rebecca Earner, 16, Ambra Eddleton, 16, Justin Carpenter, 14, and Kyrstin Wolfanger, 14. Kelsi Bird, 16, remained hospitalized in Rochester in satisfactory condition Monday.
O'Donnell said the sport-utility vehicle was going 50-60 mph when it hit an embankment and a tree. He said the teens had been driving around playing music and having fun, but no drugs or alcohol were involved.
Grief counseling was offered Sunday and Monday at Dansville High School, where four of the teens were students, and will also be offered Tuesday.