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Baby killed when SUV flips in Raleigh

A 10-month-old girl was killed Tuesday when her mother's SUV overturned, pinning the child underneath, authorities said.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — A 10-month-old girl was killed Tuesday when her mother's SUV overturned, pinning the child underneath, authorities said.

Heather Lucas was driving on Lake Wheeler Road at about 11 a.m. when she lost control of her 1993 Ford Explorer near Penny Road, authorities said. She over-corrected, causing the vehicle to flip twice and slam into a tree in a roadside ditch.

Sophia Peetc was thrown from her car seat, and the SUV landed upside-down on top of her, killing her instantly, authorities said.

"The infant was under the vehicle," Sgt. Kevin Shallington of the state Highway Patrol said. "It's a tragedy."

Shallington said the car seat wasn't secured tightly in the back seat, and the straps holding the girl in place were too loose.

"When you're putting your kid in a child's seat, make sure it's tight. Make sure it's secure," he said. "We have car seat programs that go on at different locations. ... Come by the Highway Patrol office. We'll check your seat to make sure it's tied in properly."

Lucas, 24, was taken to WakeMed for treatment of injuries that didn't appear to be life-threatening. She was wearing a seat belt, Shallington said.

Troopers said speed didn't appear to be a factor in the wreck, but the case remains under investigation.

Lake Wheeler Road was closed for more than two hours after the crash, reopening shortly after 1:30 p.m.

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