BURLINGTON, Vt. Oct. 11 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement Tuesday after the fatal traffic accident in Vermont this weekend:

“Five young Vermonters were taken from us in a senseless tragedy this weekend. Eli Brookens, Janie Cozzi, Liam Hale, Mary Harris and Cyrus Zschau – just 15 and 16 years old – had just started their lives and were robbed of their futures. The pain, shock and sadness of their families is beyond comprehension. Jane and I are deeply saddened by this tragic event and offer our condolences to the families and the entire Harwood Union High School community.”