SHARON — A child died Thursday afternoon when the Chevrolet Suburban they were riding in drifted into rock ledges in the median on southbound Interstate 89 in Sharon, according to a news release from the Vermont State Police.

The impact against the rock ledges was primarily taken by the driver’s side. The child, 11-year-old Silas Baustert, of Essex, Vt., who was riding in the back seat of the Suburban, was declared dead on scene, according to the release.

In addition, the operator, 45-year-old Dawn Baustert, of Essex, Vt., received incapacitating injuries in the collision; front seat passenger Timothy Baustert, 56, received minor injuries; and a second juvenile passenger, also riding in the back seat, received incapacitating injuries.

The injured were transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

Vermont State Police responded to the scene at about 3:22 p.m. They were assisted by White River Valley Ambulance, Hartford Fire Department, Northern EMS, Vermont Medical Examiner’s Office and the Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team.

One lane of I-89 southbound in the vicinity of the crash was limited to one lane for about 3½ hours on Thursday while the scene was cleared.

The crash is under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed it is encouraged to contact the Royalton State Police Barracks at 802-234-9933.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated on Monday, Nov. 21 to include the name of the victim, which police released on Friday evening.

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