KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffThree small children injured in crash, one in critical condition

Three small children injured in crash, one in critical condition

By Crystal Britt - bio | email

DONGOLA, IL (KFVS) - It's been a rough week for a local family after a Dongola mother and her three children were involved in a car crash.

It happened Tuesday on Highway 51 south of Anna.

Four-year-old Rusty Smith's father, James, tells Heartland News his son opened his eyes a few times Thursday night, and that's the first since Tuesday's crash.

James Smith says his son has massive head trauma and remains in critical condition.

Three-year-old Bam, and 15-month-old Morgan are spending time at Grandma's house as their parents spend time watching and praying that four-year-old Rusty makes a full recovery.

"Mom and dad are right now torn apart worrying about these two and can't leave the one in St. Louis because when he does wake up he needs to know mom and dad are there," said Lea Tarr. 

Family members say Jessica Smith was driving down Highway 51 South of Anna Tuesday.

She says something mechanical happened to the car, causing her to lose control and run off the road crashing into a ditch.

We're told her two son's had to be cut from the car.

Rusty, the four year old, had to be airlifted to a St. Louis hospital for massive head trauma.

Three-year-old Bam has 11 stitches on his head.

"The swelling has gone down in his eye.  It was basically swollen shut," said Lea Tarr. 

Little Morgan only has some bruises from her seat belt. 

The children's mother also has minor injuries.  

Heartland News has learned the Union County Sheriff's Department handled the crash.  No one from the department was available though to give any information Thursday evening so no word on whether Jessica Smith faces any charges, or whether the boys were properly restrained.

The family says the boys were actually cut out of the front passenger side of the car, saying they were pinned underneath the dash on the floorboard.

Lea Tarr says it's a miracle everyone survived.  She's so thankful the two little ones are doing so well.  She prays the same for her other grandson.

"It's been sleepless, and I have a feeling there are more sleepless nights ahead of us", said Tarr. 

To help with medical expenses the family has opened a fund.  Donations can be made at the State Bank in Anna, IL.

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