9 year-old boy becomes second victim in Scott Blvd. crash

A second person has died after a crashon Scott Boulevard near Smith Drive Saturday afternoon. The crash happened just before 4 o’clock.

A Ford Taurus was traveling south on Scott Boulevard through the intersection, at the same time a Nissan Altima was turning left onto Smith Drive.

The Altima was hit on its passenger side.

48-year-old Ping Gui and9-year-old Jeffrey Jiang, of Columbia,had to be cut out of the vehicle by the Columbia Fire Department. Both were transported to University Hospital, where Gui was pronounced dead Saturday. On Monday officials announced Jiang also died from his injuries. Columbia Police said both victims were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

A 15-year-old who was driving the car with a permit also went to the hospital with moderate to severe injuries.

The driver of the Taurus had moderate injuries. Four children under the age of 10 were in her car and treated for minor injuries.

Columbia Police said it does not appear that either driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Jiang was a third grade student at Mill Creek Elementary in Columbia. The school’s principal, Tabetha Rawlings, sent an email to the families of Mill Creek students Monday.

Rawlings said “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Many children have been affected by this news. We encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepare to offer support to your child during this time.”

Rawlings also says the schoolhas additional counselors available this week and is working to provide support to the families involved.

You can read Rawlings’ entire email here.