A tragic car accident in Douglas County, Colorado, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including three children. The crash occurred on Monday at approximately 4:39 p.m. on Highway 83, near Franktown, about nine miles south of the city.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the incident involved three vehicles: a black Toyota hatchback, a tan Ford sedan, and a black Ford pickup. The Toyota was traveling southbound when the driver lost control, veering off the right shoulder. After returning to the roadway, the Toyota rolled into the northbound lane, where it collided head-on with the Ford sedan.

The impact caused the Toyota to continue south in the northbound lanes, striking the Ford pickup, which sustained minor damage. The driver of the Toyota was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The Ford sedan was occupied by an adult driver and five juveniles. The adult driver and three of the juveniles were also pronounced dead at the scene. Two other juveniles from the Ford sedan were airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Ford pickup was not injured in the crash. The Douglas County coroner's office will release the identities of the deceased once all next of kin have been notified.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the Toyota's loss of control. The state's Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into the incident. As of Monday night, Highway 83 remained closed for investigation and cleanup efforts, and drivers in the area are advised to seek alternate routes until the highway reopens.