Three in stolen car fleeing Iowa police killed in crash

Three people died in a crash early Monday of a stolen car that reached speeds of over 100 mph (161 kph) while fleeing police in central Iowa, officials said.

The crash took place in the Des Moines suburb of Clive, after a woman in nearby Urbandale reported a car carrying several males after she spotted one rummaging through her vehicle, police said in a news release. Officers who later spotted the car found that it had been reported stolen and attempted to stop it.

According to police, the car declined to stop, sped away, and launched into the air as it crossed railroad tracks — flipping several times and striking a utility pole and creek bank.

Police discovered five males, several of whom had been taken out from the car, at the scene. Three of them have died from their injuries and two have been admitted to hospitals, police said.

Police did not immediately reveal the names of those killed and injured.

The Iowa State Patrol is helping in the ongoing investigation.