Semi-truck crash in US kills 6 teenagers

HOUSTON, Texas

Six teenage girls were killed Tuesday when their car collided with a semi-truck on a highway in the US state of Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said the crash took place at the intersection of Highways 377, 22 and 99 in Tishomingo in Johnston County, about 120 miles from Oklahoma City.

"Our hearts are broken," Tishomingo Schools Superintendent Bobby Waitman said in a letter to parents and students.

"We are grieving with our students and staff."

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the deadly crash, which happened around 12.30 p.m. local time (1730GMT).

"Our prayers are with each of the families involved and our community," the Johnston County Sheriff's Department said in a Facebook post.

"This is an absolute tragedy which will have lifelong effects. This community and families need our support and prayers at this time," the statement said.

Authorities confirmed that all six teenagers were female. Their names and ages have not yet been released.

The semi-truck driver survived, but his condition was not made available.

Counseling will be made available to students and staff to help them cope with the tragedy.

Tishomingo is a small town with a population of about 3,000 people.

"Our district has suffered a great loss," said Waitman.