Head-on collision injures 5 juveniles

A head-on collision Wednesday in Cocke County resulted in the hospitalization of five juveniles according to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) with several charges pending, including DUI, for one of the drivers.

According to the report, a 2011 Honda CRV driven by Katie Willis, 27, traveling south on US 25 crossed over the center line on US 25E near Rays Chapel Road, striking a 2014 Toyota Tacoma driven by Gilbert Ramirez, 25, head-on.

The report states three juveniles in the Honda CRV, ages 4, 5 and 5, sustained serious bodily injuries as a result of the crash. Based on information obtained separately from the THP report, they were airlifted from Newport to receive medical care.

The THP report further states two juveniles in the Toyota Tacoma, ages 3 and 7, also sustained injuries and were transported to a local medical center.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, THP listed charges for Willis, the driver of the Honda CRV, as DUI, vehicular assault and child endangerment.