KIT CARSON, Colo. (AP) _ Authorities say a van carrying schoolchildren collided with a tractor-trailer rig in southeast Colorado, killing at least three people.

Kiowa County sheriff’s spokesman Chris Sorensen confirms at least one fatality but says he doesn’t know the total. The Colorado State Patrol tells The Denver Post at least three have died.

The collision occurred Thursday south of Kit Carson, about 130 miles southeast of Denver. Sorensen says the van collided with the rear of the truck.

A school district in Eads, about 15 miles south of Kit Carson, says on its website the crash involved a family close to many people in the district.

The Children’s Hospital in suburban Denver says two children ages 3 and 13 were taken there. A spokeswoman says she can’t release their injuries or conditions.

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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com