BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

MATEWAN, W.Va. — A two-vehicle accident occurred Monday afternoon near Matewan that claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy and Kentucky man and sent two others to area hospitals.

According to information released by the Mingo County Sheriff’s office, the accident is described as a “side-swipe” and occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. along State Route 49 between Matewan and the Thacker.

Dustin Crabtree of Pike County was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crabtree was traveling alone in the northbound lane when the crash occurred, according to Mingo County Chief Deputy Allen Mounts. The young boy’s identity has not been released.

The female driver, identified as Lea Robertson, and the 9-year-old sibling of the deceased child were flown from the scene with serious injuries. Robertson’s vehicle was traveling in the southbound lane when the vehicle operated by Crabtree struck it.

Smith said one of the most difficult scenes for any officer to respond to is one that involves the death of a child, especially this close to Christmas.

“You can’t help but think about how anxious they were for Christmas Day to get here, and you find yourself wondering what presents they had asked for,” Smith said. “It’s a heartbreaking situation, and we ask the community to remember those close to the child in prayer and for a speedy recovery for the other child and female that were injured.”

Smith said Trooper Matheny with the Williamson Detachment of the West Virginia State Police would conduct an accident reconstruction at the location.