NEAR ALTON – The Department of Public Safety is investigating a three vehicle fatal crash.

The accident occurred on FM-2221, or Mile 7, east of Bentsen Palm Drive at approximately 6:44 p.m.

Authorities said the driver of a black Ford Expedition was traveling westbound on FM-2221.

An official also said a black Chevrolet Impala, occupied by a driver and three passengers, was traveling eastbound on FM-2221 and was attempting to make a left turn into a private drive.

That was when a driver of a white Chevrolet Cavalier failed to control their speed and struck the back end of the Impala, pushing it to the westbound lane, causing the Expedition to strike the right side of the vehicle.

Five people are transported to different hospitals, no word on their conditions. A 25-year-old female passenger of the Impala died at the scene.

DPS troopers are continuing to investigate the accident and will close off the road to traffic for a couple of hours.