6 dead, including 3 children, in Tennessee highway crash, authorities say

May 7, 2015: A minivan is towed away after an accident on U.S. Highway 411 South near Maryville, Tenn. (AP)

Six people, including three children, have died after a sport utility vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a minivan head-on in Tennessee, authorities said Friday.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said both drivers and the front passenger in the minivan were killed as well as the three children who were riding in the minivan. A man and two other children in the van were injured, though the extent of their injuries was not immediately clear. They were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The crash happened Thursday night no U.S. 411 South in Blount County, Lt. Bill Miller said.

Police identified those killed in the minivan as driver Tammy James, 52, and passengers Christy Manuel, 30; Cody Manuel, 13; Christopher Manuel, 8; and Gavin Manuel, 1.

All were from Greenback, about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville.

Police said Robert Sorenson Jr., 56, of Maryville, was the driver of the Isuzu Rodeo that crossed over the lanes.

The highway was shut down, but later reopened.

Highway Patrol Lt. Don Boshears said it was a difficult scene for first responders.

"It's terrible for first responders. It's terrible for everybody. ... We have adults and children who have both lost their lives and it's very, very tragic."

The Associated Press contributed to this report