A volunteer firefighter and two children were killed in a crash Thursday afternoon in Wylie, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.[[374175381,R]]
The crash happened at about 2:15 p.m. on State Highway 78, west of State Highway 205, south of Lavon Lake.
A white van was traveling south on Highway 78 when it swerved into the northbound lanes, striking a gray Toyota sedan, according to Sgt. Lonny Haschel with DPS. The three people in the van suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to Medical Center of Plano.
The man and two children, a boy and a girl, inside the car died at the scene. They have been identified as Peter Hacking, 36, Ellie, 4, and Grayson, 22 months, according to NBC 5's media partners at The Dallas Morning News.
Highway 78 was closed in both directions for several hours while officials investigated. Both directions of traffic reopened after 9 p.m.
Police and DPS troopers continue to investigate the crash, including what caused the van to swerve.
In a statement released late Thursday, the Nevada Volunteer Fire Department said, in part: "It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of a beloved Father, Husband, and Firefighter: Peter Hacking, Captain, Nevada Volunteer Fire Department."
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"We appreciate the outpouring of condolences and support from our neighboring departments and community," the statement continued.
