Five people have died after a train hit a minivan east of Nokomis Wednesday, June 14.

According to a preliminary investigation, the minivan was traveling south on 1800 Christian County Road, and the train was parallel to Route 16. As the minivan approached the railroad crossing, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. As a result, it was struck on its driver side by the train.

Three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The two other occupants were transported away from the scene and later flown to Saint Louis Area hospitals. Both later to succumbed to their injuries.

The identities of the victims are Herbert Castle, Mary Pugsley, John Castle, Nell Castle, and Mary Castle. All were from Pana.