Four maritime academy cadets killed in car accident

Four students from Maine Maritime Academy were killed and three others injured following a fiery SUV crash early Saturday morning.

The group of seven is believed to have been traveling south on Shore Road in Castine when the 2013 Range Rover “left the road and struck a tree before erupting in flames,” according to Maine Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer Shannon Moss.

Four of the seven victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash shortly after 2 a.m., Moss said in a statement.

Friday was the last day of classes for the fall semester ahead of finals week this week.

“Our community is grieving for these young lives and for their families,” Maine Maritime Academy President Jerry S Paul said in a statement issued Saturday.

“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”

A vigil was held Sunday night for the victims.

Maine Maritime Academy is one of six State Maritime Academies that prepares students for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. It has about 950 students and repeatedly ranks as one of the top public schools in the country.