West Grey Police Service said three local youths were killed in a single-vehicle collision near Allan Park on Tuesday afternoon.
According to police, the collision was reported around noon on Concession 2 SDR near Allan Park Road. The involved vehicle had four occupants, all between the ages of 15 and 17.
West Grey Police said despite the best efforts of emergency services, three of the occupants were pronounced dead on scene.
The fourth was airlifted by Ornge to London Health Sciences Center with life-threatening injuries.
Police said the identity of those involved will not be released at this time.
However, the Bluewater District School Board confirmed that the victims were students at John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover.
"On behalf of Bluewater District School Board, we are sending our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the families directly impacted. At this time, our priority is to support them and respect their privacy as they endure unimaginable grief and loss," read a statement from BWDSB Chair Jane Thomson and Director of Education AJ Keene.
"The impact of this tragedy is far reaching and extends to other school communities in Bluewater. For many of our students, staff, and families, we recognize that the shock and sadness they are experiencing may be compounded by recent tragedies that have occurred in some of our other schools. Much like those situations, we know that these students had many close connections and will be sadly missed by large networks of peers and staff," the statement continued.
The board said mental health staff and the Tragedy Response Team will be on-site at JDSS to provide counselling in the days and weeks ahead.
The Town of Hanover says it has lowered the flag to half-mast and will be making a contribution to JDSS.
