3 Teens Die In Crash On Last Day Of School

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Three high school students were killed and six others were hospitalized when a sport utility vehicle flipped several times and crashed on Interstate 295 Friday morning.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the victims were all teenagers headed for a day at the beach rather than attending the last day of school. Duval County school officials confirmed that two ninth-grade students and one 11th-grader died in the wreck, WJXT-TV in Jacksonsville reported. Their names were not being released until all the families were notified.

The FHP said all nine victims were in a Ford Explorer that overturned just after 8:30 a.m.

"We believe the left rear tire may have separated. We're still investigating that," FHP Lt. Bill Leeper said. "The driver lost control, traveled over onto the shoulder of the roadway, struck a light pole."

According to Leeper, everyone except the driver was ejected from the vehicle. The FHP believes the driver was the only person wearing a seat belt.

Five people were airlifted to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center, where two died and the other three were in critical condition. Three other victims were transported to Baptist Medical Center.

At Ed White High, some students said they got calls and text messages about the wreck. School officials said some students witnessed the crash and showed up at the school in tears.

Duval County schools spokeswoman Jill Johnson said grief counselors were rushed to campus to talk with students before early dismissal on the last school day of the year. She said counselors will be available at the school again beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, which is a post-planning day for teachers.

Emergency room doctors said receiving victims with multiple, severe injuries can be emotionally challenging for them, as well.

"When we have moments to step back and reflect, it's extremely difficult," Shands emergency room physician Dr. Miren Schinco said. "I had to talk to a family -- that was extremely difficult. I have children of this age, and they went to the beach with their friends."

All northbound lanes of I-295 were closed near the crash site for nearly an hour. All lanes reopened by 9:45 a.m., but traffic remained slow while FHP investigators conducted their investigation and a tow truck loaded up the damaged vehicle.