A crash in Livingston County between an SUV and a horse-drawn carriage has claimed the life of a ten-year-old boy and injured two other children.

The crash happened seven miles north of Wheeling on Route-B at 7:35am. The Amish buggy was carrying three children to school.

According to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, both vehicles were eastbound on Route-B when the Ford Expedition crashed into the rear of the horse-drawn buggy. The driver and occupants of the buggy were ejected in the crash.

Killed in the crash was Joshua Leinbach, age 10, who was driving the buggy. Amanda Leinbach, 7, was seriously hurt. Katelyn Leinbach, 8, suffered what were described as moderate injuries.  The children and the driver of the SUV were transported to the Hedrick Medical Center.

Katelyn Leinback was treated and released.  Amanda Leinbach was transferred to the Children’s Mercy Hospital where she was in critical condition.

Investigators say the driver of the SUV, Penny Anderson of Wheeling, was blinded by the sun just prior to the collision. She suffered minor injuries, according to the crash report.

In a news release, Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox says he and Chief Deputy Claypole were the first law enforcement officers to arrive at the scene of the crash.  By then, the injured were already being helped by citizens and three nursing students.

“Please do not rush to judgement on how this incident happened,” Cox said.  “Anyone driving east bound this morning at that time will confirm the sun was at least somewhat blinding and we will not know the facts until the reconstruction is complete.

“I do know the driver of the motor vehicle was extremely upset with what had happened. I do know that person is a good citizen and would not intentionally harm anyone.”

Cox also urged you to speak with your family and friends about the accident to discuss the dangers of being on any roadway.  He says the weather is getting nicer, school will soon be out.

“There are way too many distractions in and around all of us when we are on the roadway. I am personally going to talk with my three young drivers about this and focus their attention on how precious life is. Hopefully together we can prevent at least one horrible accident from taking place in the future,” Cox said.