Michigan Family Among Six Killed In Horrific Wrong Way Crash In Kentucky

Authorities in Kentucky believe drunk driving was to blame for a wrong way crash that left a family of five from Michigan dead early Sunday morning. The Associated Press reports that a pick-up truck was driving southbound in the northbound lanes on I-75 in Lexington when the crash occurred at around 2:30 am. The truck reportedly struck the family's SUV, which also caught fire after the crash. Lexington Police say that all five occupants were killed along with the driver of the pick-up truck.

A witness who was driving in the same area said prior to the crash the pick-up truck had driven toward him in the center lane and he had to get out of the way quickly as the vehicle was "absolutely flying". That driver said he managed to merge at the last second to avoid a collision.

The family of five was from Northville in southeastern Michigan. They were returning from a family vacation in Florida. The family included included two teens and a 7-year-old who attended Northville Public Schools. The school district has put out a statement informing students and staff about the tragedy.

The coroner identified the family members as 42-year-old Issam Abbas, 38-year-old Rima Abbas, as well as their children 14-year-old Ali Abbas, 13-year-old Isabella Abbas and 7-year-old Giselle Abbas. The pickup truck driver was identified as 41-year-old Joey Lee Bailey of Georgetown, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held at an Islamic Center in Dearborn Monday evening and funeral services will take place on Tuesday.