BENTON – Three people died and two others were injured in a single vehicle crash that happened Saturday afternoon in the Benton Field Road/St. Joseph Road area near Benton.

Franklin County Sheriff Kyle Bacon says the sheriff’s office was notified about the crash just before 5 p.m. Deputies responded and located the crash. Once again three died and two others suffered significant injuries. They were taken from the scene by air-evac and ambulance for treatment.

Sheriff Bacon says those injured were juveniles, so no names were released. The three juveniles who died were students at Benton Consolidated High School according to BCHS Superintendent Benjamin Johnson.

The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is assisting the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office with the crash investigation. Benton Police and Fire, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office and Abbott EMS also assisted at the scene.

Benton Field Road was closed Sunday afternoon to all traffic to protect the safety of those visiting the crash site. Traffic will be restricted from going through the area, so take other routes.

A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night at Benton’s Tabor Field to show support for those affected by this tragedy.

School will be in session Monday for students at Frankfort Community High School and other Frankfort CUSD #168 schools. Counselors will be available during the school day.

Johnson released a statement Sunday evening saying there will be counselors and social workers available to meet with students as needed Monday morning. BCHS will run an altered early dismissal schedule that you can find on the BCHS Facebook page.