Train hits van in Colorado killing 5, including 3 children

Over 280 passengers were on board at the time of the crash and remained stranded in the area

Authorities are investigating after an Amtrak train collided with a van killing five people, including three children, in Colorado.

The Colorado State Patrol released a statement on Sunday saying a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country failed to yield right of way to the train and was struck at 9:45 a.m. just outside Trinidad.

The van’s driver and four of the passengers were killed.

Girl seriously injured

The TV station Denver7 reported that a Colorado State Trooper said a girl in the van was flown to Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, with serious injuries.

Authorities are not releasing the names of the occupants until after next of kin has been notified.

Over 280 passengers on board

An Amtrak spokeswoman told the station that more than 280 passengers were on board at the time of the crash and remained stranded in the area. No one on the train was injured.

She said the train involved was the Southwest Chief, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles.

Authorities are investigating but neither alcohol nor drug use is suspected.