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Chicago DUI car accident claims life of Iraqi teen

An Illinois car accident has left a 17-year-old Iraqi refugee dead, according to the Chicago Tribune. A Chicago resident has been arrested and charged with a felony after his involvement in the early Sunday morning collision.

The at fault motorist was driving north on Artesian Avenue near North Shore Avenue in an SUV when he allegedly failed to obey a stop sign, according to Chicago police. The SUV hit a Nissan Maxima traveling west on North Shore Avenue. The SUV continued north, struck two parked cars and hit a tree before coming to a stop.

The passengers included the 20-year old driver, 17-year-old victim, and four other teenagers. All of the passengers in the SUV had to be removed from the vehicle by responders to the scene and all were injured.

The teen fatally injured was pronounced dead at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge a short time later. The driver of the Maxima was not hospitalized after the car crash.

The SUV driver was charged with one felony count of aggravated driving under the influence/accidental death as well as a misdemeanor DUI charge. He also received a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign.

The teenage victim, an Orthodox Christian, fled from Iraq to America with her family to avoid religious persecution about five years ago.

It has not been reported if a Chicago accident lawyer is involved in the case yet or if a civil lawsuit has been filed.

Read the story as reported by ABC News and WGNtv here.

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