PONTIAC, Mich. — A tragic crash Friday night in Pontiac claimed the lives of two children and a 37-year-old motorist, leaving two others seriously injured, authorities said.

Oakland County deputies responded around 8:20 p.m. to Montcalm Street and Joslyn Avenue after multiple 911 callers reported that a vehicle had gone airborne and a child may have been ejected. Investigators say a 21-year-old driver of a 2022 Honda Civic crossed into oncoming traffic on Joslyn Road, left the roadway, struck multiple signs and poles, and collided with a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu stopped at a red light on Montcalm Road.

The driver of the Chevrolet, a 37-year-old Pontiac resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 6-year-old and a 4-year-old passenger in the car were transported to a hospital, where they later died. A 9-year-old passenger in the Chevrolet and the Honda driver were hospitalized with serious injuries. The child remained in critical condition Saturday afternoon, while the Honda driver was reported in stable condition.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard called the crash “an unimaginable tragedy” and said investigators are working to determine the full circumstances. Authorities noted that speed was a factor in the crash and extended condolences to the grieving family.