7-year-old dies in morning crash

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A 7-year-old girl was killed this morning in a crash on city's northeast side.

The accident happened just before 8 am on North Binford Boulevard and Delmar Rd.

IMPD investigators say Eries Avery and her 4-year-old brother Eric were in a car being driven by their father, 35-year-old Erick Avery, at the time the accident occurred.

Officers say her father was attempting to cross Binford Boulevard, heading eastbound on Delmar Road, when he was struck by two cars heading northbound.

The impact of the crash pushed the car off the roadway and into a ditch.

Ptl. Kendale Adams, Indianapolis Metro Police Department, said, “We believe the father disregarded either a stop sign or blinking red light, and tried to enter that intersection.”

Eries Avery died from her injuries on her seventh birthday. Her brother was listed in good condition at Riley Saturday evening. Their father, Erick Avery, was listed in fair condition at Wishard.

Police say they're not sure if seatbelts were used and say neither child was properly secured in a booster or car seat.

Adamssaid, “This is a warning to parents, that we have to take the time, the due diligences.”

Firefighters say any child under the age of 12 needs to be in the backseat and properly restrained, depending on their age or weight.

 Todd Rielage, with the Fishers Fire Department, said, “In toddlers, down to infants, if your child is properly restrained, there is a 54-percent chance of survival in any kind of motor vehicle collision.”

Statistics show using a child safety seat in the right way can reduce fatal injuries in children by up to 71-percent.

Adamssaid, “We will never know if that child would have lived if she would have been in that seat, because she was not in that seat.”

Erick Avery could face charges in the accident. Police say they'll hand their findings over to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.

If you're wondering the exact ages and requirements for your children, it's all listed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website here.