MULVANE, Kan. (AP) -- Four people have died in an accident on the Turnpike in south-central Kansas.

Kansas Turnpike Patrol Capt. John Walters said the accident in Sumner County occurred about 5 a.m. and involved three vehicles. He also said a teenage girl is hospitalized in critical condition.

The accident occurred when an SUV entered the southbound lanes from the Belle Plaine service area and began driving north. The SUV smashed head-on into a southbound minivan.

Three people in the minivan died, along with the driver of the SUV. A semi tractor-trailer that was hauling meat also crashed into the rear of the minivan.

The driver of the semi was taken to a Wichita hospital with minor injuries.

The victims' identities have not been released.