Billings, Montana - A devastating car crash in Billings has claimed the lives of four teenagers, leaving their community mourning. The incident occurred when a Mercury Mountaineer veered off the roadway, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a large metal pole supporting a business sign. The Billings Police Department released a statement detailing the tragic incident.

According to authorities, two 14-year-old girls, a 17-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male lost their lives in the crash. Their identities have not been disclosed by the police, leaving the community awaiting further information.

Following the tragedy, a small memorial was erected at the crash site on December 17. Residents of Billings visited the site to pay their respects, leaving flowers and writing heartfelt notes on a posterboard taped to the pole that the victims' vehicle collided with, as reported by Fox News.

Ryan Pitman, a friend of the victims, was present at the crash site with his father. Pitman revealed that he had dropped off the two girls at the 18-year-old's residence earlier on the night of the accident. Subsequently, while returning to the aforementioned house to pick up the other three victims, Ryan Pitman and his father were involved in their own vehicle crash, preceding the tragic collision. Pitman's account indicates that a short while later, the 17-year-old victim was driving the two girls home with the fourth victim also in the car when the fatal crash occurred. Pitman, who is 17-years-old himself, was being treated at the hospital for injuries sustained in his earlier accident.

As the community grieves the loss of these young lives, many questions remain unanswered. The circumstances leading up to the crash, including the speed at which the vehicle was traveling and the presence of alcohol, are still under investigation.

"Every loss of life is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating incident," expressed a spokesperson for the Billings Police Department. The community rallies together in support, offering condolences and strength to those impacted by this heartbreaking event.

Authorities continue their investigation to uncover the events that led to this devastating crash, emphasizing the importance of understanding the factors that contributed to such a tragic loss of life.