LAKELAND, Fla. — Three teenagers died late Wednesday in a U.S. Highway 98 crash involving three vehicles.

According to Lakeland Police, the crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. in front of the Northtowne Square Shopping Center.

Police said three teens were in a 2012 Nissan Versa that collided with a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT truck. The Lincoln then struck a Toyota Corolla that was exiting the plaza.

According to responding officers, the teens, a 16-year-old female driver, a 19-year-old male front seat passenger and a 16-year-old backseat passenger, were unresponsive at the scene after the crash.

The female was extricated from the vehicle and rushed to Lakeland Regional Health where she was pronounced dead. The two passengers died at the scene.

Police said the Nissan was traveling northbound on U.S. 98 North in the inside lane at a high rate of speed.

At the same time, the Lincoln pick-up truck was traveling southbound on U.S. 98 North, entered the left turn lane, and was attempting to turn left into the plaza located on the east side of the roadway.

As the Lincoln began to make its turn, it was struck by the Nissan.  

The 42-year-old man driving the Lincoln and 35-year-old man driving the Toyota both suffered minor injuries but are expected to recover.

Members of the Traffic Homicide team responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

The crash remains under investigation.