3 Braxton Children Critical Following Lost Creek Crash Driver facing charges

Three Braxton County juveniles were transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in critical condition following a single-vehicle rollover crash Tuesday night, October 17, in southern Harrison County.
The juveniles were all under the age 10, according to West Virginia State Police Cpl. Baron Claypool, of the Bridgeport Detachment. Two of the children first were taken to WVU Medicine United Hospital Center before being transfered to Ruby Memorial.
The driver, John Marshall Crews, 28, of Gassaway, was transported to United Hospital Center for minor injuries, Claypool said. Charges are pending, the Veteran Trooper added.
According to the Investigating officer, the three children were ejected from the vehile, while the driver remained in the Mustang that rolled over more than once.
The initial investigation appeared to indicate the children — two in the back and one in the front — were not wearing seat belts, Claypool said. There were no child seats in the car. The driver said he was wearing a seatbelt, Claypool said.
The Mustang, traveling northbound on I-79 went into the median near the 108 mile mark before rolling, Claypool said. The driver told authorities that he had a tire blowout causing him to loose control. The location of the crash is in a series of “S” curves between Jane Lew and Lost Creek.
The crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. Both lanes of the interstate were shut down for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow first responders access to the accident scene. After that, one lane was opened and one remained closed until the scene was cleared.
Trooper A.J. Trupo and Harrison Sheriff’s Lt. Dixon Pruitt also responded, as did firefighters from Stonewood and Jane Lew. EMS crews from Harrison, Anmoore and Bridgeport handled transports. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control, Claypool said.
At press-time, the investigation is continuing.