Two Palmer Elementary students were killed Thursday, Sept. 3, in a four-vehicle crash on the Thruway in Seneca County.

Sisters Maryella Annal, 11, and Elizabeth Annal, 9, of Baldwinsville, died when their parents’ minivan was struck from behind by a pickup truck, according to New York State Police.

State police responded to the four-car accident at approximately 10:29 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, on the westbound lanes at the Junius Ponds Rest Area, Seneca County.

Investigators believe that traffic was slowing for a lane closure when a pickup truck failed to slow down and struck a minivan from behind, which struck a small passenger vehicle, which struck a tractor-trailer.

The Annal sisters were wearing seatbelts in the back of the minivan. Their parents, Maureen Annal, 50, and Thomas Annal, 54, were airlifted to Strong Hospital in Rochester with very serious injuries.

The operator of the pickup truck, Abraham Hara, age 73, from Geneva, was not injured.

The operator of the second passenger vehicle that was struck is Kelsy Wilson, age 25, from Elmira. Wilson was taken to Geneva General Hospital for evaluation.

The operator of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

In a statement on the Baldwinsville Central School District’s website, Superintendent Matt McDonald expressed condolences to the Annal family and announced the availability of counselors for the Palmer community.

“As a close-knit school community that loves our students deeply, our hearts are broken. Our thoughts are with the Annal family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” McDonald said.

The Palmer Crisis Response Team will provide support and counseling to students, staff and families in the Palmer Library from from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, and throughout the rest of the week. The team also provided support the afternoon of Sept. 4.

“It’s important to allow children to talk about their grief experiences and what they need. Counselors urge you to listen to your child’s concerns and questions. After communicating this difficult news to your child, if you feel that they need additional support, our counselors will be available to provide you with resources and strategies,” McDonald continued.

Palmer families can call 315-638-6127 or email Principal Alex Ewing at [email protected] for additional support.