Published: June 11, 2009 05:23 pm      

5 TEENS HURT, 3 SERIOUSLY, IN SUWANNEE CRASH

Five teenagers were injured Wednesday evening when the vehicle they were traveling in hit loose sand and struck a tree at the corner of 296th and 290th Street in Suwannee County, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.

Chrysten A. Hudson, 18, of Lake City, was driving east on 296th Street in a 2006 Mercury when the vehicle veered onto the south shoulder and struck a tree, said FHP. Other passengers inside the vehicle were: Ashley A. Gallegos, 18, Jeffrey J. Kennedy, 18, and Chase D. Brannon, 17, all of Lake City; and Katie M. Bannister, 14, of White Springs. The accident happen around 6 p.m.

Upon impact the vehicle rotated clockwise and came to rest facing southeast, according to an FHP report.

At the scene, Brannon was listed in critical condition. Gallegos and Bannister were both seriously injured, said FHP. The three were lifeflighted to Shands UF.

Hudson received minor injuries and was transported by family to Lake City Medical Center. Kennedy was treated for minor injuries and released at the scene.

According to the report, none of the teenagers were wearing seatbelts.

Check back for later updates on the condition of those injured.