Early in the afternoon of Dec. 17 police responded to a crash near the water tower in Richfield.

Five juveniles were riding in a Jeep on Forest Road 096 just West of Richfield when it appears the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle went up a slight embankment on the side of the road before rolling. It appears speed may have been a factor in the crash.

All five people in the vehicle were students at Richfield High School.

According to Richfield City Police Chief Trent Lloyd one of the students was taken by life flight helicopter from the scene. The other students in the vehicle were taken to the hospital in Richfield where three were later taken by life flight in critical condition.

According to a Facebook post from the  Utah Highway Patrol only two of the students in the vehicle were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Superintendent of the Sevier School District, Cade Douglas, sent a message to parents of Richfield High School students saying “we have been informed that five RHS students were involved in an auto accident during lunch. Parents of those students have been informed and all are receiving medical attention. We are hopeful they will all be ok. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers.”

He also stated that counselors will be available Wednesday for students at the high school.

The Principal of RHS, Mr. Gubler, sent out a message to school staff around 9:00 p.m. on the 17th saying “we just got info that all five students are expected to make it and be ok, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.”