Plainfield driver ticketed in crash that killed 10-year-old

The driver of a car that struck a minivan, causing it to roll over and killing a 10-year-old girl inside, has been ticketed.

The 28-year-old male driver was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, Plainfield Police said. They have not released his name.

Police said in a statement their preliminary investigation has concluded that the driver of a Ford Taurus did not come to a complete stop on West 9th Street as he came to the intersection with Arlington Avenue and hit the Toyota Sienna carrying the victim and 6 others. Police said speed was not a factor.

Crisis response teams and support services were on hand at all Plainfield schools to help students and staff with the grieving process, according to the school district website.

Police said their investigation is ongoing and have not yet determined if the girl was wearing a seat belt. They have not yet identified anyone involved in the accident as the family of the victim has asked for privacy.

It was not clear from the information released by police whether the seven people in the minivan were related, or how they might otherwise be connected.

Mayor Adrian Mapp meanwhile has announced that the intersection of 9th Street and Arlington Avenue will become a 4-way stop in an effort to reduce accidents as part of the mayor's safety initiative.