ELKHART, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash Friday afternoon on CR 3 north of CR 38.

The crash happened at approximately 3:50 p.m.

The initial investigation has determined the driver, a 28-year-old female from Elkhart was driving a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero going south on CR 3 north of CR 38.

The vehicle left the side of CR 3 striking a utility pole on the passenger side and continued off the roadway striking a tree. 

The driver was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Two children in the backseat ages 3 and 5, were declared deceased at the scene. 

An 8-year-old child in the front passenger seat was also transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the Elkhart County Crash Investigation Team.