3 children and their mom hurt in crash

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A horrifying crash in Cheektowaga sent a mother and three young children to Women and Children's Hospital Friday night.

It was about 3:30 in the afternoon on Genesee and East Grand Boulevard when a pickup truck struck a car broadside as it turned into the driveway of the Boy Scouts of America. The driver of the pickup, 39-year-old Robert Morley of Cheektowaga, was uninjured and immediately ran to the assistance of the mother, 33-year-old Ana Szpara of Kenmore, and three small children, aged 9, 7, and 3, in the small mangled car.

Cheektowaga Police Lt. Steven Berecz said, "Very serious and hoping for the best that everyone's going to be okay."

Lillian Mueller, who witnessed the crash, said, "He was startled and trying to get them out before they were getting really hurt."

It just so happens this accident happened directly across the street from Genesee Transit Pediatrics, from which a doctor and two nurses ran out to help.

Lillian described, "They were pushing his chest to get him breathing again."

Nathaniel Mueller added, "I was scared."

Lillian and her brother live across the street were watching their own pediatrician, Dr. Eric Sickels, try to save a child's life on the street.

Neighbor Michelle Filipski said, "Dr. Sickels actually was my older son's pediatrician years ago and he's an excellent doctor. It's doesn't surprise me at all."

"Anytime there's children involved there's more of a sense of alert actions by the first responders to get taken care of," noted Lt. Berecz.

Filipski added, "I cried when I saw them bringing the kids out. I mean, it's devastating...devastating."

Lillian said, "I was like pretty scared to see the kids all scared and screaming."

"I hope they get better and we're going pray for them," said Nathaniel.

Police say Scpara was treated and released. Her children remain in the hospital. The 9-year-old is in very critical condition, the 7-year-old is in critical condition but stable, and the 3-year-old suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash. If anyone witnessed the crash, you're asked to call Cheektowaga Police at 686-3510.