CASTINE (WGME) – Police say four students at Maine Maritime Academy are dead after an early morning crash in Downeast Maine.

Maine State Police say a single vehicle with seven Maine Maritime Academy students inside was traveling on Route 166 in Castine around 2 a.m. Saturday.

The vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree and then erupted into flames.

Three other students were taken to nearby hospitals for non life-threatening injuries.

The college’s president, Jerald Paul released this statement: “I am devastated to confirm that today Maine Maritime Academy lost four of our students in a single vehicle accident early this morning. Three others were injured. Our community is grieving for these young lives and for their families. While we have lost beloved members of our student body, tonight there are four families who have lost their children. I ask for continued respect and privacy of our Maine Maritime family. Please hold these young people close to your hearts and in your prayers. We will of course continue to work with the authorities in the coming days and continue to offer counseling support to our students, faculty and staff.”