Authorities say four people from Pana have died and a fifth is in critical condition after a freight train hit their van as they returned from an ice cream social in central Illinois.
Illinois State Police say the 79-year-old man driving the van failed to yield to the oncoming train at a rail crossing near Nokomis Wednesday evening.
The train hit the driver's side of the van.
Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says the group was returning from an ice cream social.
State police say three were pronounced dead at the scene and another later died.
The fifth occupant is listed in critical condition.
No names are being released.