Two OKC High School Students Killed in Payne Co. Crash

A tragic accident in Payne County kills two 17-year-old girls from Oklahoma City.

The teens were students at the Classen School of Advanced Studies. Four other people were also injured in the crash, but not as severely.

Family, friends and everyone at Oklahoma City Public Schools are grieving the loss of Dajia Brown and Karla Duenes. Another student, Sophia Gabrielson, is recovering in the hospital.

The Highway Patrol says the accident happened when a car crashed into the students' broken down van along the highway.

It was a somber day at a northwest Oklahoma City high school. Students returned to class Friday, mourning the loss of two of their peers.

"Right along with the family at Classen School of Advanced Studies, we're grieving the loss of those two students and hoping for a full recovery for that third student involved in the accident," OKCPS spokesperson Tierney Tinnin said.

3/1/2013 Related Story: Two OKC High School Teens Killed In Payne County Crash

Recovering is 16-year-old Sophia Gabrielson. Dajia Brown and Karla Duenes, both 17, were killed.

The accident happened around 1 a.m. Friday on state Highway 51, just east of I-35 in Payne County.

OHP troopers say the girls were in a van that had broken down, and three people were trying to push it along the highway. That's when we're told another car crashed into them. The two girls were pinned inside for hours before rescue workers could get them out.

Back at the Classen SAS, grief counselors were on hand Friday to talk with students and faculty.

"These are kids they see five days a week the majority of the school year. So they have a huge relationship with these students," Tinnin said.

The driver of the other vehicle was treated and released. The Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, but at this point, they believe this was just a tragic accident.

Funeral arrangements are pending.