“As we await additional details from authorities investigating this accident, our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students involved,” Deborah Curtis, the university’s president, said in a written statement. The accident happened just before 2 a.m. in the small town of Riley, about 10 miles from the university’s campus in Terre Haute. The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle was on fire by the time deputies arrived. “Two of the occupants were able to extricate themselves from the vehicle and were transported for medical treatment with serious injuries,” the sheriff’s office said. “Sadly, the driver and two other occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.” The school has offered counseling services for students, faculty and staff following the tragedy. It has also postponed a women’s soccer match scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
