10 Teens Injured When Driver Attempts to 'Swap Seats' While Van in Motion

Ten southeast Michigan teens were injured, three of them critically, in an early morning rollover accident that occurred when the driver of a van attempted to “swap seats” while the vehicle was still in motion during a trip from the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio, according to media reports.

The driver, Jenna L. Halonen, 17, lost control of a 2003 Chevrolet Express Van when she attempted to switch seats with the front-seat passenger, Lilley Kastamo, 16, according to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The accident occurred around 1:11 a.m. on northbound I-75 near mile marker 198 in the city of Northwood.

Lilley Kastamo and Ellie Kastamo, both 16, of Howell, were ejected from the vehicle and were listed in critical condition at St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo Tuesday morning. Halonen, of Howell, was wearing her seatbelt and wasn’t thrown with the van. She also was listed in critical condition at St. Vincent’s.

The other occupants of the van were Blake D. Pietila, 16, of Howell; Logan D. Pietila, 16, of Howell; Lauren J. Pietila, 16, of Brighton; Sam P. Daavettila, 16, of Williamston; Andrew J. Daavettila, 15, of Howell; Caroline M. Halonen, 15, of Howell; and Sylvia R. Lesperance, 16, of Howell.

The relationship between the teens is unclear.

The teens were out of compliance with Ohio law when the accident occurred. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles prohibits people under 18 years old from operating a vehicle from 1 a.m.-5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or driving to or from work.

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