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Oakland University Students Killed In Accident

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ)- Two Oakland University students were killed and a third was critically injured in an accident on I-75 in Detroit Saturday afternoon.

The wreck, involving three vehicles, happened near Clay Street.  The freeway was closed for several hours, but re-opened around 8 p.m..

Police said it appeared the students were in a car that hit one car and then was rear-ended by another car.  Drivers in the other vehicles were not injured.

The students who were killed in the crash have been identified as Jenna Balabuch of Romeo and Rachel Ring of Leonard, both 19. Another OU student, Shannon Waite, was critically injured and taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital.

A message on the university's website said "the university is planning to make counseling services available to faculty, staff and students in the wake of this tragedy.

Until we understand the full extent of this tragic incident, we ask that the university community keep the injured and family members of those who have lost their lives in their thoughts and prayers."

On the OU campus Monday morning, students like Samuel Delgado of Waterford expresses shock and sadness.

"I was shocked. I guess it's crazy that one day you can enjoy you're life and then you're gone," Delgado said. "It's sad, they were so young. They were really young ... 18, 19 years old.  Condolences to their family, though."

All three students were part of the Sigma Tau Delta English honors society. Balabuch and Ringe were lifelong friends.

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