NEWTON COUNTY — Three children died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Newton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Peterbilt semi driven by Stephen J. Shaffer, 53, Sarcoxie, was eastbound on Mo. 86 two miles east of Stark City.

The semi struck a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by Leticia Verde, 32,  Neosho.  The collision caused the driver to lose control of the Traverse. It crossed the center line. A 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by Michael L. Stephens, 38, Fairview, struck the Traverse.

Benjamin J. Verde, 4; Eric G. Verde, 7; Issac O. Verde, 2, all of Neosho, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

Leticia Verde, Michael Stephens and 2 passengers in the Tahoe Shawna Campbell, and Presley Darby both of Fairview were transported to Mercy Hospital.

Two other passengers in the Tahoe Bentley Stephens and Harley Stephens, 15, of Fairview, were transported to Freeman West Hospital

Four-year-old Benjamin Verde was not in a child car seat and the occupants of the Tahoe were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Troopers did not have all ages of those involved in the accident.