A teen from Milaca, Minn., driving himself and three siblings to school collided with a semitrailer truck less than a mile from their destination. The crash killed his 13-year-old sister, authorities said.

The crash occurred about 7:55 a.m. Tuesday at the T-intersection of Hwy. 23 and 127th Avenue, just west of Milaca, according to the State Patrol.

Killed was Katrina E. Maetzold, 13, the patrol said. No one in the van was wearing seat belts, the patrol added.

Surviving their injuries were driver Tristen Z. Maetzold, 17; Patience V. Maetzold, 16, and Devon Maetzold, 11.

Tristen Maetzold was heading south and reached the end of 127th. As he was about to turn left on Hwy. 23 toward the kids’ schools, his van crossed into the path of the westbound semi and was struck broadside, said Patrol Sgt. Curtis Mowers. The truck’s driver was not hurt.

Despite the driver’s young age, he was legally allowed to have three other minors in the vehicle because they were family members, said Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske.

Katrina, who was seated behind the driver, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene, the patrol added.

Paul Walsh