A tragic accident in western Illinois has left five people, including three young children, dead after a school bus collided with a semi-truck on Monday morning. The crash occurred on Route 24 near Rushville around 11:30 a.m., resulting in both vehicles being engulfed in flames. Authorities have stated that the bus crossed into oncoming traffic for unknown reasons, leading to the fatal collision.

The victims included the bus driver, the truck driver, and all three children on board the bus, who were preschoolers from Schuyler-Industry Schools. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, but families have been notified. The small community of Schuyler County, with a population of less than 7,000, has been deeply impacted by this tragedy, with classes at Schuyler-Industry Schools canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Illinois State Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash, as no survivors were found at the scene. The bodies of the victims are being transported to Springfield for autopsies. Sheriff Bill Redshaw expressed the devastating impact of the loss on the close-knit community, emphasizing the need for support during this difficult time. The closure of Route 24 for the investigation has caused disruptions in the area, as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.