Oct. 31--Three people were killed after a train struck a vehicle Thursday in downstate Vandalia, authorities said.
Police were notified about 6:48 p.m. that a vehicle had been struck by a train near Sixth and Main streets, according to a statement from Vandalia police Chief Jeff Ray.
Emergency crews found three people dead at the scene, and two others were transported to Fayette County Hospital and later airlifted to another hospital, police said.
The crash happened just minutes before Vandalia's Halloween parade was set to begin.
It was reported that a pedestrian was killed in the crash, but authorities now say all three people killed were in the vehicle, Ray said in the statement.
As of Friday morning, authorities were not releasing names or details about the people who were killed since family members were still being notified.
The case is under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Fayette County coroner, Ray said.
