The North Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating whether drinking was involved in a head-on accident on Interstate 85 in which three people, including a 6-year-old child, were killed. Kania is charged with DWI, careless and reckless driving, and possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage.
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A Jeep Wrangler, driven by 20-year-old Michael Chandler Kania of Asheboro, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a Suzuki with four people inside, according to officials.
Three people in the Suzuki were killed instantly, including 6-year-old Janiece Smith, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who was riding in the back seat. The fourth passenger was rushed to UNC Hospital with serious injuries. Nisbet has not released the names of the victims since he is in the process of contacting the next of kin. That child’s identity and condition were unknown Monday.
Kania also was taken to UNC Hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers with the North Carolina Highway Patrol said that there were no charges pending in the accident.
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The Highway Patrol is trying to determine where he got onto I-85 and how long he had been driving in the wrong direction before the crash.
