NDSU mourns 4 students killed in Minn. crash

Alexandria fatal
Emergency crews work the scene of a fatal crash on Interstate 94 west of Alexandria, Minn. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012. The Minnesota State Patrol has confirmed at least four people died in the crash.
AP Photo/Alexandria Echo Press, Lowell Anderson

An official at North Dakota State University says the mood on campus is somber after four students were killed in a Minnesota traffic accident.

Prakash Matthew, the school's vice president for student affairs, says three of the victims shared a dormitory suite. The fourth lived in a separate hall.

Matthew said the school hasn't had such a tragedy in his 35 years there.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the women's car crossed the median of Interstate 94 near Alexandria and was struck by an SUV, which was hit by a third vehicle. The women were identified as Lauren Peterson of Prior Lake, Megan Sample of Rogers, Danielle Renninger of Excelsior, all 18, and 19-year-old Jordan Playle of Elk River.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker ordered the flag at Fargo City Hall to fly at half-staff for the rest of the week in remembrance of the students.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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