Three die in collision in Rush County

(RUSH COUNTY, Kan.) — Three people die in a crash with a tractor Tuesday night in Rush County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says a pick-up was driving west on K-4 about three miles east of the junction with U.S. 183 just before 8:00. Investigators say a tractor, also driving west, made a left-turn into a field drive.

Investigators say the driver of the pick-up swerved to avoid the tractor, but ended up colliding with it.

The drivers of both the pick-up and the tractor were taken to a Hays hospital with injuries. Three others in the pick-up died at the scene.

The Highway Patrol has identified the victims who died as 47-year-old Jose R. Villarreal, Jr. of Ellis, 35-year-old Ricky Hernandez of Ellis and 36-year-old David Florian of Hays.

Investigators say none of the victims were wearing seat belts.