Driver of SUV Fell Asleep Before Crash Into Church
Posted/updated on: May 26, 2012 at 4:02 pm
LONGVIEW — Longview Police said the driver of the SUV who crashed into a Longview church on Thursday fell asleep at the wheel. Officials say drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the accident. Kelly Burk, 20, has been issued two citations for no drivers license and no insurance. He has been released from the hospital.
Five people, including three children and one teacher, were taken to a Longview hospital after an SUV crashed into Spring Hill First Baptist Church’s day care center in the 4000 block of Gilmer Road near Spring Hill Road around noon Thursday. KETK reports emergency crews had to use the “Jaws of Life” to remove the driver from the SUV. The children and teacher, along with 30 other kids, were inside the church for a Parent’s Day Out at the time of the crash.
According to the Longview Police Department, the SUV went through a fence near the intersection of Elmira Drive and Spring Hill road, then cut across a field and hit the back of the church. A utility pole was also knocked down during the wreck.
