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FHP: Driver stops SUV on I-75 in Pasco County, causes crash that injured 5 children

A 26-year-old woman was arrested and charged with DUI.

DADE CITY, Fla. — Five children, including a 1-year-old girl, and one adult were hospitalized after a serious crash along Interstate 75 near Johnston Road in Pasco County, according to Pasco County Fire Rescue.

The crash happened around 2:15 a.m. Monday.

Florida Highway Patrol says 26-year-old Ashley Clairmonte was driving a 2015 Buick Encore southbound on I-75 while impaired and tired, leading her to stop in the inside lane. That's when a 24-year-old woman with five kids in the car hit the Buick from behind, according to troopers.

The crash caused the Buick to overturn into the outside lane while the second car, a 2004 Chevy Tracker, spun out, also landing in the outside lane.

FHP says Clairmonte ran off into an adjacent tree line and returned after troopers arrived. She was arrested and charged with DUI serious injury and leaving the scene of a crash with injury. 

Clairmonte, who suffered minor injuries, was booked into the Pasco County Jail.

Troopers say the 24-year-old driver was seriously injured along with the five children in her car, ranging in age from one to 10 years old. A 1-year-old girl remains in critical condition.

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