A 17-year-old girl is dead following a two-vehicle crash outside the community of Vanastra, south of Clinton.

The collision occurred at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, at the intersection of Highway 4 and 7th Avenue.

Police say a car was travelling southbound on London Road when it came up on a number of vehicles waiting to turn left onto 7th Avenue.  The driver decided to pass the line of vehicle on the gravel shoulder.  The driver lost control, got back onto the roadway but into the oncoming lane.  A northbound armoured truck struck the passenger side of the car. 

The passenger, 17-year-old Bethany Blanchard from Clinton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, Nicholas Dimmers from Clinton, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Highway 4 was closed for several hours as police investigated the crash.

The Avon Maitland School Board posted a message on Facebook Wednesday.

"The Avon Maitland family is deeply saddened and extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Bethany Blanchard, age 17, a student at Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton. Bethany passed away last evening after succumbing to injuries suffered in a vehicle accident.

We are all deeply affected by the tragic loss of this delightful student.

Bethany will be remembered as a happy, bubbly, and caring young woman that did whatever she could to make others smile. She was truly a bright and talented student in her classroom, loved school and enjoyed being with her friends.

The school district’s team of counsellors, as well as members of the Tragic Events Response Support Team, will be at Central Huron Secondary School today and will be available to students, their families and staff members for as long as needed."