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6-year-old dies after six car pile-up in Elyria, driver charged with OVI

Posted at 4:50 PM, Jan 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-27 13:11:14-05

A 6-year-old girl has died after a horrific six-car crash in Elyria.

Family told News 5 Alia Bailey died Thursday night after being in critical condition. Both of her legs were broken and she had emergency brain surgery Sunday night.

Her mom, Nancy Burnett, who was driving her, is still recovering at MetroHealth Medical Center. 

They were in their red Ford Explorer at the Rt. 57 and Cleveland intersection in Elyria Sunday when a truck plowed into them. The Ford F350 hit with such force, they went flying into the intersection hitting other cars.

"It's probably the worst crash I've seen." said Elyria Police Traffic Investigator Aaron Varga. 

Donald Buchs, 24, is the man accused of causing the crash. Police say Buchs was under the influence. 

"We did take some blood from him to determine the level and type he was under the influence of. It could be alcohol and/or drugs," Elyria Police Captain Chris Costantino told News 5. 

According to Costantino, Buchs failed field sobriety tests but suffered no injuries. 

With other charges still pending Buchs has been released. News 5 asked Captain Costantino if he could face prison time. 

"I don't want to get into that right now, but I can tell you, he could face additional charges," he said.