18-year-old killed in three-vehicle crash in Andrézieux-Bouthéon

An 18-year-old driver died in a three-vehicle crash early Friday on the D100 in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, in France’s Loire department.

The crash happened at about 4:40 a.m.

and involved a car, a utility vehicle and a Renault Clio.

Four other people were injured, including three who were seriously hurt; one person had lighter injuries.

Initial details indicate a head-on collision between the first two vehicles, while the Clio went into a ditch trying to avoid it.

The cause of the crash is not yet known, and investigators have not ruled out any possibility.

Police conducted initial alcohol and drug tests, but not everyone could be tested; an autopsy of the driver who died is also expected to help clarify what happened.

The road was closed as investigators worked at the scene, with traffic diverted, and the department was preparing to reopen it.

The crash brings the number of people killed on Loire roads this year to 32, compared with 17 at the same point last year.