Tragedy struck in Douglas County, Colorado, on Monday afternoon when a stolen vehicle collided with oncoming traffic on Highway 83, resulting in five fatalities, including three children.

The devastating crash occurred shortly before 4:40 p.m., involving a Toyota hatchback and a Ford sedan near milepost 40.5, as reported by the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).

According to CSP, the incident unfolded as the Toyota, driven by a 31-year-old man from Denver, was heading south. The driver lost control and veered off the right shoulder of the road.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the Toyota’s loss of control.

The situation escalated when the Toyota over-corrected, rolled into the northbound lane, and collided head-on with the Ford. The impact was fatal for the Toyota driver, who was ejected from the vehicle, as well as a 35-year-old Colorado Springs man and five children traveling in the Ford.

The Toyota over-corrected and rolled into the northbound lane, fatally ejecting the driver and crashing head-on into the Ford, which was carrying a 35-year-old Colorado Springs man and five children.

Authorities said the children were identified as a 13-year-old girl, 8-year-old boy, 12-year-old girl, 12-year-old boy, and 14-year-old boy, all from Colorado Springs.

The car allegedly at fault for the crash was reported stolen about an hour before the tragedy. (Colorado State Patrol)

The 35-year-old man, 8-year-old boy and two 12-year-olds were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said the 13-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy, who were sitting in the back of the car, were airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Wreckage was seen scattered on the road as crews worked to clear the highway. (Colorado State Patrol)

The Toyota was reported stolen through the Aurora Police Department about an hour before the crash, according to state patrol.

The case is being investigated by the CSP Vehicular Crimes Unit.