3 Oklahoma meteorology students killed after chasing storm

TONKAWA, Okla. (NewsNation) — Three College of Oklahoma meteorology college students have been killed in a crash when their car was struck by a tractor-trailer rig in northern Oklahoma on Friday, in response to a crash report.

The scholars have been travelling again from chasing a twister in Kansas, officers mentioned. Nicholas Nair, 20, of Denton, Texas; Gavin Quick, 19, of Grayslake, Illinois; and Drake Brooks, 22, of Evansville, Indiana, died within the crash shortly earlier than 11:30 p.m. Friday, in response to an Oklahoma Freeway Patrol report.

The three have been in a car being pushed by Nair southbound on Interstate 35 when the car hydroplaned in Tonkawa, about 85 miles north of Oklahoma Metropolis, the report mentioned.

The car went off, then again onto the interstate the place it was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer, in response to the OHP.

“Earlier than they might exit their car, a semi got here alongside within the rain and struck them broadside within the interstate,” mentioned Lt. Phillip Ludwyck, with OHP.

The boys have been pinned contained in the Volkswagen for about 5 and a half hours. Tonkawa Fireplace and EMS officers freed their our bodies from the wreckage. They have been pronounced lifeless on the scene.

“It’s simply heartbreaking to suppose we misplaced three very gifted younger males. Our hearts and our prayers, simply as an company and as Oklahomans, goes out to the households,” mentioned Luckwyck. “You already know, they misplaced sons in only a tragic, tragic accident.

An announcement launched by OU mentioned: “The college is devastated to be taught of the tragic passing of three college students. Every have been valued and liked members of our neighborhood.”

The motive force of the semi was taken to a hospital the place he was handled and launched, the OHP mentioned.

The report mentioned it was raining on the time of the crash and the roadway was moist.