Three people were killed and three others critically injured, among them four children, early Saturday morning when a train collided with a minivan in East Chicago, police said.
At approximately 12:51 a.m., officers were called to a vehicle and train accident at 4600 Euclid Ave, according to authorities.
Upon arriving, officers said they found a 2005 Honda mini van with "extensive damage" about 200 yards west of the Euclid Avenue train crossing.
The 36-year-old male driver, a 38-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl were found dead on the scene, police said. Three boys ranging from ages seven to 10 were taken to area hospitals in critical condition.
According to a preliminary investigation, the Honda Odyssey was traveling northbound on Euclid Avenue when the signals, lights and crossing gates showed a train was coming. Per video captured, the van is seen going around the crossing gate, which was down at the time, police said.
The van was then struck by a westbound train, according to authorities.
The official cause of the accident is still being investigated by the East Chicago Police Traffic Division.
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