Troopers: Toddler killed when cars race, crash on I-77; DWI charges pending

(Photo credit: WSOC-TV)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Troopers say two vehicles were racing before a wreck that killed a 2-year-old boy over the weekend on Interstate 77, according to WBTV.

WBTV identified the boy who was killed as Trevon Nichols.  Authorities tell the station that the toddler was in a car seat in one of the vehicles, which were racing shortly before 1 a.m. when the crash occurred between the Remount Road and West Boulevard exits.

Troopers say one of the vehicles struck a guardrail before both vehicles crashed into the median and came to a halt.

WBTV reports the driver along with an adult passenger in the vehicle the child was riding in were injured.  The adult passenger was in serious condition as of Monday morning, a hospital spokesperson told the station.

According to WSOC, troopers said DWI charges are pending against both drivers, who the station identified as Kelvin Nichols and Randal Jn-Baptiste.

WSOC reports Kelvin Nichols was the toddler’s father.

Jn-Baptiste was ejected from the vehicle he was driving, troopers say.

WSOC reported a total of three people were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The northbound lanes of I-77 were closed for several hours immediately after the crash.

Sources: WBTV.com | WSOCTV.com