A chain reaction of car accidents last night on Interstate 80 killed a Williamsburg girl and injured three other people. The Iowa State Patrol says an officer had activated his car’s emergency lights to warn motorists of an accident near the Oxford exit.

According to the accident report three vehicles passed by and the one in the rear failed to slow down. Police say it smashed into the second vehicle, which was then forced into the lead vehicle. Police say 14-year-old Melissa Street, who was a passenger in the second vehicle, was killed in the crash.

Another passenger in the vehicle, 18-year-old Michael Street, as well as the driver, 52-year-old Karen Dye, were taken to University of Iowa Hospital for treatment of injuries. Also hospitalized was the driver of the third vehicle 43-year-old Jorge Ortiz of Washington. Police say the accident remains under investigation.

By Nick Wilkens, KCII, Washington