Four sibling children were injured, one seriously, in a three-vehicle accident early yesterday on Route 27 north of Taylorsville, authorities said.

John Schaufele, 8, of Taylorsville initially was listed in critical condition after being flown to Johns Hopkins Children's Center, but his condition was upgraded to serious yesterday afternoon, a hospital spokeswoman said.

His sister, Jacqueline, 12, was in fair condition at Carroll County General Hospital, and a brother, Ryan, 10, and another sister, Stephanie, 14, were treated at the hospital and released, authorities said.

The accident occurred about 12:30 a.m. when a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer driven north by Jessica Lynn Buffington, 27, of New Windsor crossed the center line and hit a 1990 Subaru Legacy driven south by Marilyn Eileen Schaufele, 36, of Taylorsville, state police said.

The Blazer then hit a 1988 Plymouth Voyager driven by Alan Michael Stevens of Mount Airy.

Marilyn Schaufele's husband, Henry, 42, and their daughter, Stephanie, 14, were in the Voyager, police said. The other siblings were in the Legacy.

Stevens was treated at Carroll County General and released, a hospital spokeswoman said.

No charges had been filed, police said.