A community is grieving after two South Elgin High School students were killed in a car crash in Bartlett, NBC Chicago’s Courtney Sisk reports.
Two South Elgin High School students who were killed in a crash in Bartlett Thursday morning that also left three others injured have been identified, according to the Kane County Coroner.
According to officials, the crash, which involved a Mack semi-tractor trailer and a 2002 Honda Civic, occurred at approximately 7 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of IL Route 25 and Kenyon Road.
Two females who were inside the Honda Civic were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, officials said. According to Bartlett police, one of the victims later succumbed to her injuries.
The girl was identified by the coroner as 17-year-old Kamorra Campbell of Bartlett.
A third female passenger from the Honda Civic was pronounced dead on the scene, who was later identified as 16-year-old Tahlulay Henry of Elgin.
According to the coroner, the preliminary cause of death for both victims is listed as multiple injuries due to motor vehicle collision.
A fourth female passenger from the Honda Civic was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is in stable condition, officials said.
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School District U-46 released a statement on Friday, in which district officials confirmed the passing of Campbell and Henry and provided an update on the other students who were injured. Elizabeth Esparza, who sustained injuries in the crash, was hospitalized in stable condition, officials said. The district didn't identify a fourth student who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the collision.
"Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the statement continued, in part. "We are here to provide support and assistance to the affected families in any way we can."
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The district said crisis teams remained activated, explaining that grief and loss social workers and counselors will be at the school to help students and staff for as long as needed.
“We’re just trying to get through the moment right now, and we’ll try to get through the day, and then we’ll try to get through tomorrow. And we’ll just take it one day at a time," South Elgin Principal Kurt Johansen said Thursday.
A press release from the South Elgin & Countryside Fire Department stated that crews needed to removed the roof to the Honda Civic in order to gain access to the car's four occupants, all of whom were South Elgin High School students.
Photos and video from the scene showed a heavy police and emergency presence from Elgin, Fox River, Geneva, Carol Stream, St. Charles and more, along with roads closed and traffic backed up as officials worked to investigate.
"Every accident is hard to deal with and especially ones such as this," said William Luchsinger, fire chief for South Elgin and Countryside.
Police said the cause of the crash remained under investigation.
