Kindergartner killed in crash at intersection

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Police are investigating a crash that killed a kindergartner on Highway 316 in Barrow County.

James Manders was riding in a silver Honda Thursday night when police say the driver pulled out in front of another car at the intersection of Highway 316 and Highway 81.

The impact of the crash was so intense that it cut the car in half. James died at the scene.

“It was a very traumatic scene,” Sheriff Judd Smith said. “I pray for this family.”

Business owners who work across the street said they heard the crash happen.

“My heart’s broken. What the parents must be going through right now, my prayers are with them,” Tina Patel said.

Drivers say the intersection is dangerous, and neighbors are calling for extra patrols to make drivers slow down.

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Smith told Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes that there is an accident nearly every day at that intersection.

“Most of the accidents at that intersection are big accidents and they're serious injuries and fatalities,” he said.

Fernandes called the Georgia Department of Transportation. The agency said there are plans to improve the intersection to make it safer.

“I think what they mean is there may be an overpass. I think in its infancy, it was designed to be like 85, an expressway,” Smith said.

GDOT says the bids will start going out for that overpass in May.

James's school had counselors on hand Friday to talk to his classmates and help them understand what happened.

Cox Media Group