5 children, foster father killed when van rams semi in Colorado

KIT CARSON, Colorado - (CNN) -- Five children under 17 and their foster father were killed when their van slammed into the back of a stationary tractor trailer in eastern Colorado

The foster father -- Howard Mitchell, 57 -- was driving the children to school when the van crashed Thursday south of Kit Carson, Colorado, CNN affiliate KMGH reported.

The Dodge with 12 occupants was in a construction zone with reduced speed limits when it rammed into the back of a stationary empty cattle trailer, the Colorado State Patrol said.

Six other children were taken to area hospitals, including a 14-year-old who was the only one wearing a seat belt, authorities said.

The 26-year-old driver of the truck was treated for minor injuries and released, KMGH said.

Mitchell was a Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office deputy, according to the affiliate.

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