CARROLL COUNTY, Ky. — One teen has died and two others were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a crash Saturday in Carroll County, Kentucky State Police said.
It happened in the 1500 block of SR-389 at around 8:45 p.m.
Troopers found that a 44-year-old man was driving a 2010 Nissan Altima when he rear-ended a horse and buggy with three teens — two boys and a girl — inside, KSP said.
Trey Moore, a firefighter with the West Side Volunteer Fire Department, was among those who responded to the scene. He said crews called in two helicopters to fly the boys, who were in critical condition, to area hospitals while the girl was taken by ambulance.
WATCH: 1 teen dead, 2 hospitalized after car rear-ends horse-drawn buggy in Carroll County
"It was very scary," Moore said. "It was very hectic, too."
All three teens were eventually taken to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, where one of the boys died from his injuries.
KSP has not provided an update on the conditions of the other two teens.
It's unclear if the 44-year-old driver was injured in the crash or what caused him to rear-end the horse and buggy.
Moore said the teens were part of an Amish family that had been fishing in the Ohio River off of Lock 1 Road, which shoots off of KY-389, earlier that day. He said family members told responders the children had separated from their parents while traveling home in separate buggies.
"The parents actually ended up coming up on the accident," Moore said.
Moore said the tragedy hit particularly close to home. He and his family live off Lock 1 Road.
"My mother actually saw them drive by and they waved at her," he said. "We had our radios on and they dropped our tones that Amish vs. Car. and that's when they knew who it was."
Residents told WCPO that Amish families frequently travel through the area during the summer months, often using horse-drawn buggies to access nearby fishing spots.
"They're very kind people," Moore said. "They've always been good to us."
The crash happened on a stretch of road where neighbors say speeding can be a concern. While investigators have not identified speed as a factor in Saturday's crash, Moore said the tragedy serves as a reminder for drivers to remain alert, especially in areas where horse-drawn vehicles are common.
"Watch for the Amish," Moore said. "Drive safe. As a fireman, I've seen too many wrecks. Wear your seat belts, reduce your speed in any conditions. It's better to make it home than not."
Moore said the emergency response involved approximately 25 personnel from multiple agencies, including KSP, Carroll County EMS, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, Carrollton Police Department and the West Side Volunteer Fire Department.
KSP has not released the identities of the teens involved. The investigation is ongoing.
