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Three Indiana State University students killed in fiery car crash after vehicle slams into tree

A release from the university’s athletics department said five people were in the vehicle when it crashed, including several football players

RILEY, INDIANA: Three Indiana State University students were killed in a tragic car crash early Sunday, August 21 morning, according to the school. According to a university athletics release, five people were in the vehicle when it crashed, including "several football players." The three people who died are being identified by police. No identities had been revealed as of Sunday afternoon. According to Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse, the crash happened around 1.30 am on Sunday in Riley, Indiana, about 10 miles from the university's campus in Terre Haute.

The vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree. It's unclear how fast the car was going at the time of the crash. When deputies arrived, it was on fire. Plasse stated that two passengers were able to be released from the vehicle and were being treated for critical injuries. At the scene, the driver and two other passengers were declared dead. The cause of death has not been disclosed. 

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The Vigo County Sheriff's Office said the vehicle was on fire by the time deputies arrived. "Two of the occupants were able to be freed from the vehicle and were transported for medical treatment with serious injuries," the sheriff's office said. "Unfortunately, the driver and two other occupants were pronounced deceased on the scene," CNN reported. 

University President Deborah J Curtis released a statement on Sunday, August 21 morning and called the car crash ''a terrible tragedy." "As we are waiting on additional details from authorities investigating this accident, our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students involved.” "The ISU women’s soccer match scheduled for 1.pm Sunday at Memorial Stadium has been postponed to a later date because of the tragedy." The school has offered counseling services for students, faculty, and staff in the wake of the tragedy.

Indiana State Athletics tweeted about the fiery car accident. "ISU mourns after single-vehicle accident kills three people," they wrote. ''Heartbreaking… Please pray for the families and friends of these young men, this university, and the men and coaches in this program,'' Mike Bath, a football coach at the university tweeted. 

Murray State Racer Athletics also paid condolences to everyone involved in the tragedy. They tweeted, "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Indiana State Sycamores and ISU family."

Rep Larry Bucshon (R-IN) tweeted, "My heart goes out to the families and friends of the Indiana State University students tragically killed in a car crash early today. I am praying for the entire ISU community." 

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