A DRIVER was alleged going three times the speed limit when he crashed into a high school running team and killed two teen students.

Max Leroy Townsend was driving 79 mph in a 25 mph zone when he drove into a group of runners on a sidewalk in Oklahoma City.

Townsend, 57, was driving 24 mph before accelerating, driving across two traffic lanes, and hitting the students.

Rachel Freeman, 17, and Yuridia Martinez, 16, succumbed to their injuries when they were struck on February 2.

Another student, 18-year-old Kolby Crum, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Four other students were also injured, but released from the hospital.

According to an official Oklahoma traffic collision report, obtained by KFOR, one student was thrown about 169 feet from his point of impact.

Prior to hitting the students on the sidewalk, Townsend hit the rear of one vehicle.

After he struck the teens, his car continued across a front yard and onto another street, where he hit a mailbox and drove into a parked car before coming to a halt, KFOR reported.

Townsend – whose son, 28, died in an auto accident the day before the crash – has been charged with manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of an accident.

He has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail on $1.2 million bond.

Moore Police Sgt. Jeremy Lewis said: "It’s awful. We’ve dealt with some really tough things, but that’s the worst, even the tornadoes. Seeing those kids laying there.”

The town of Moore was hit with deadly tornadoes, one in 1999 that left 36 people dead and another in 2013 that killed 24.

Townsend's blood-alcohol test results are still pending, according to Sgt. Lewis.

When Townsend's truck finally stopped, witness Joe Gonzales, 62, stayed with him until police showed up and arrested him.

According to Gonzales, Townsend "was just talking to himself, looking for his phone,” and said “I just lost my son."

The official Facebook Page for the City of Moore, Oklahoma, shared a statement with its community on February 6.

It read: "The City of Moore is heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred here on February 3rd. Our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.

"Our thoughts are with those still fighting to live and those recovering from this horrific act.

"Our 34th Street bridge will be lit with Moore High School’s prominent color to show our love and support. “Royal Blue, Faithful, Always True”

Source: Read Full Article