Illinois police identify the three kids and two drivers killed when a school bus hit a semitruck

Authorities have identified the victims of a tragic collision between a school bus and a semi-truck on a rural Illinois highway, which claimed the lives of five individuals, including two 3-year-olds, a 5-year-old, and both drivers.

The eastbound bus from Schuyler-Industry Schools inexplicably crossed into westbound U.S. Route 24 on Monday, colliding with a semi carrying sand, according to preliminary findings by state police.

The collision, occurring around 11:30 a.m. in Rushville, led to both vehicles becoming engulfed in flames. All four occupants of the bus, comprising three children and the driver, as well as the truck's driver, perished in the accident.

The deceased children were identified as 5-year-old Maria Miller, 3-year-old Andrew Miller, and 3-year-old Noah Driscoll, all from Rushville. The bus driver was identified as Angela Spiker, 57, of Rushville, and the truck driver as David Coufal, 72, from the nearby village of Browning.

The tragedy deeply impacted the small community, as expressed by Sheriff Bill Redshaw, who noted the devastating loss of life.

Schuyler-Industry Schools announced the cancellation of classes for Tuesday and Wednesday following the crash, expressing sorrow for the loss of staff and students in the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board and state police are investigating the cause of the crash, with autopsies to be conducted in Springfield.