Two Children Die in Five-Vehicle Crash in Suburban Kansas City

Authorities say two children have been killed in a five-vehicle crash in suburban Kansas City.

The pileup happened around 6 p.m. Monday on Interstate 70 near Blue Springs in Jackson County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a sport utility vehicle struck the rear of a family's car, killing 7-year-old Chloe Beaird and 13-year-old Gavin Beaird, both of Warrenton. Two adults in the car were seriously injured.

The patrol says the SUV also hit a second car that was pushed into two other vehicles. The SUV's driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The crash is under investigation. The Kansas City Star reports that Sgt. Bill Lowe says there are indications that alcohol and a distracted driver played a role in the crash.