A van driver and student from the Towanda Area School District were killed when a district vehicle collided with a commercial vehicle just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a state police press release.

The van was used to transport students from the district to Mansfield, the release said.

The crash occurred on Route 6 west of its intersection with Bailey Road in Sullivan Township, when, for unknown reasons, the district van, traveling east on Route 6, entered the westbound lane, where it collided with a tractor trailer, according to state police.

Killed in the crash was 66-year-old driver Ronald Wickwire and a 9-year-old male, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

A second 12-year-old male, as well as a 6-year-old female were life-flighted to a Geisinger medical facility.

Both were in stable condition as of Wednesday morning, state police said.

The driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured.

This investigation is ongoing, with more information to be released at a later time.

“Our hearts are devastated and hurting,” district Superintendent Eric Cummings said in a statement.

“We will have supports and counselors available for our students tomorrow and please keep our students and the Black Knight community in your hearts as we grieve for the loss we suffered and pray for those that are affected,” the statement concluded