Two children killed in five-car pileup on I-70 near Blue Springs

Two children were killed Monday night in a five-car pileup involving a possible drunken driver on eastbound Interstate 70 near Blue Springs.

The Missouri Highway Patrol identified the children as Chloe Beaird, 7, and Gavin Beaird, 13, of Warrenton, Mo. Both children were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two others in their car, David C. Beaird and Jennifer L. Beaird, sustained serious injuries. They all were wearing seat belts.

The 60-year-old male driver of the vehicle that is believed to have caused the crash sustained minor injuries.

A spokesman for the Missouri Highway Patrol said five cars were involved in the pileup, which happened shortly after 6 p.m. Sgt. Bill Lowe said the patrol’s Major Crash Investigative Unit is reviewing the details of the accident.

There are indications that alcohol and a distracted driver played a role in the crash, Lowe said.

The crash occurred as the vehicles were eastbound on I-70. The 60-year-old driver allegedly overtook and struck the rear of the Beaird’s vehicle. The 60-year-old man’s vehicle then struck a third vehicle, which was pushed into two others.

Traffic was stopped on the interstate for a time.

This story was originally published September 5, 2016 at 10:27 PM with the headline "Two children killed in five-car pileup on I-70 near Blue Springs."