The Shawano County Sheriff's Department is investigating a three car crash that sent four people to local hospitals about 11:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Crews from Birnamwood and Mattoon, as well as the MEDIVAC helicopter from Aspirus Wausau Hospital responded to the scene on Highway 45 South of Highway Z in the town of Aniwa.

The Sheriff's Department says a car heading southbound tried to pass another vehicle, and hit a van heading northbound head on.

Both vehicles then rolled.

A third vehicle was struck after the first crash.

The driver of the van, a 35-year-old male from Oshkosh, and the driver of the car, a 51-year-old female from Birnamwood were transported to Wausau Aspirus Hopsital.

The conditions of the drivers are unknown.

A passenger in the van, a 30-year-old from Mattoon, and the driver of the third vehicle, a 69-year-old female from Birnamwood were transported to Langlade Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Highway 45 was closed from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. for accident reconstruction and clean up.

Names of the victims are expected to be released after noon today.