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Four teens are dead and one injured following overnight crash in Sarpy County

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SARPY COUNTY, Neb. (KMTV) — The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that happened around 11:30 Monday night.

Captain Chris Culler with the sheriff's office said it appeared a Ford Fusion was heading East on Platteview Road approaching 180th Street. He said that is when the car went off the road, hit a guardrail and ended up in a ravine.

When deputies arrived at the scene the car was on fire with five people inside. All believed to be 15 to 16 years old. Four people were pronounced dead at the scene and one was taken to the hospital with burns.

It is unclear whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

The names of the victims have not yet been released.

This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.

See also: People go green in show of support for community of Gretna

Gretna Public Schools shared this email that went out to parents:

Dear GHS Parents,

I was informed last night that five of our high school students were involved in an accident at 180th and Platteview Rd. Four of these students were pronounced dead at the scene while a fifth was sent to St. Elizabeth’s in Lincoln. Names have not been released yet to the public by the sheriff’s office so I cannot share that information with you at this time.

Our school crisis team met earlier this morning. The High School building will be open today starting at 8:30 a.m. with counselors available for any students.

Parent / student resources for death and grief can be found on the front page of our district website.

Sincerely,

Roger Miller Principal Gretna High School

The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office has released the following statement regarding the crash:

The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating a tragic vehicle crash near 180th Street and Platteview Road on June 17, 2019. Our deepest condolences go out to the Gretna community, especially to the families and friends who lost loved ones.

We certainly understand the media requests for further information about the crash. However, we are obligated to conduct a thorough investigation, properly identify the deceased, and notify their families in a dignified manner. Until these steps are taken, no additional information will be released by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office or the Gretna Public Schools. At a later date, the Sheriff’s Office and the Gretna Public Schools will hold a joint press conference to provide more information. An announcement about the press conference will be forthcoming.

Greg London, Chief Deputy

There has been an outpouring of community support: