Ocala, FL : 3 children critically injured in 4-vehicle crash in Marion County sunday on May 18, 2014

Three children are clinging to life after a multivehicle crash on I-75 in Marion County involving a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser.

The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. Sunday on I-75 southbound near mile marker 345.

Investigators said 20-year-old Trooper Raul Umana lost control while doing a U-turn and hit a guardrail.

The cruiser ended up in oncoming traffic, causing a chain-reaction crash.

During the crash, a semi hit the back of a car with three kids inside, ages 2, 5 and 7.

The children were airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital where they remain in critical condition. The car's driver, 28-year-old Christeia Jones of Orlando, was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The southbound lanes of I-75 were closed for about six hours.

Umana and the semi's driver, 73-year-old William Richmond, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Both were taken to West Marion Hospital.

He is a member of the 127th recruit class, which graduated in January.

Source :
3 children critically injured in multivehicle crash involving FHP trooper