PORTER COUNTY | Porter County police said the icy roadways may have played a role in two fatal accidents Thursday evening.

The accidents occurred on Ind. 8 in the Kouts area and on County Road 400 East in Jackson Township.

The accident in Jackson Township claimed the life of Lisa Abramson, 35, of Jackson Township, and injured the three children who were her passengers.

The crash occurred at 5:33 p.m. Thursday on County Road 400 East, south of County Road 950 North. Police said Abramson was southbound when, for unknown reasons, she went left of center and went off the road to the east. Her 2004 Lincoln Navigator struck the concrete support column for the Indiana Toll Road, which crosses over the county road.

Police said Abramson was not wearing a seat belt and suffered severe head and internal injuries. Police said the children were unrestrained in the back seat.

Her niece, Ariel Biegel, 6, of Jackson Township, suffered head injuries and was taken to Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus, police said. Police said medical personnel were looking to move her to another hospital for additional treatment.

Abramson's son, Tristan Abramson, 7, suffered a chest injury. A friend, Hayley Edmonds, 8, of Jackson Township, suffered a fractured or dislocated pelvis. Both were taken to Porter Portage Hospital Campus.

The other accident occurred at 5:19 p.m. Thursday on Ind. 8, near County Road 300 East. Police said the report was not completed, but the accident was reported to involve a vehicle that went off the road. The accident killed William Mallers, 82, of Knox.