The four students riding in the vehicle attended two different school districts

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• Two high school students died, and two others were injured following a single-vehicle crash in Batesville, Ark., on Oct. 19
• “Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts go out to the individuals and families affected by this tragic incident,” the Batesville Police Department said
• An investigation into the incident is ongoing

Two high school students were killed, and two others were injured following a crash in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. 

The tragedy occurred on Monday, Oct. 19, around 4:40 p.m. local time, when officers were dispatched to Gap Road in Batesville following a report of a single-vehicle accident, the Batesville Police Department said in a statement. 

When police arrived, they secured the scene until the Arkansas State Police arrived to take over the investigation. 

“Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts go out to the individuals and families affected by this tragic incident,” the police department said.

Two students from Batesville High School were later confirmed to have died in the crash, officials from the Batesville School District (BSD) said in an announcement on social media. Another student was injured in the crash and is currently receiving medical care.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, classmates, teachers, staff, and all those whose lives have been touched by these students,” the school district said. 

“As we grieve together, our priority is to surround our students and staff with care, compassion, and support,” BSD continued. “We are committed to providing the resources and assistance they need as we navigate the difficult days ahead.”

The fourth victim was a senior from Cave City High School, who sustained critical injuries, officials with the Cave City School District (CCSD) confirmed in a separate post.

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“During this difficult time, our school family will lean on one another for strength, comfort, and support as we continue to pray for her and her family,” CCSD said.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the Arkansas State Police and the Independence County Coroner’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

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