Three Lincoln County children continued to fight for their livesTuesday morning at a Jackson hospital after being involved in anaccident Monday evening, said authorities.

Clay Hart and Josh Wallace, both 11, were in critical condition,while Wallace’s brother, Joseph, 13, was listed as stable Tuesdayat University Medical Center in Jackson, according to a hospitalspokesperson.

The three boys were riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at theintersection of Jackson Liberty Drive and Norton Assink Road at4:45 p.m. Tuesday when they collided with a 1990 Ford Bronco drivenby Mitchell Schmitz, age unavailable, of 107 Dianne Drive,according to Mississippi Highway Patrol Public Affairs OfficerErrol Pierce.

“Mr. Schmitz was southbound on Jackson Liberty, and the kidswere east bound on Norton Assink Road when they collided,” saidPierce.

It was unclear if the children had stopped at the stop sign onNorton Assink Road before pulling onto Jackson Liberty Drive, saidPierce, adding that the accident is being investigated by theLincoln County Sheriff’s Department.

Schmitz sustained no injuries from the accident. Two of thechildren were airlifted to UMC and one was taken to UMC byambulance from King’s Daughters Medical Center around 6 p.m.Monday.

Students at Loyd Star Attendance Center, where the Wallaces andHart were enrolled, were informed of the tragedy Tuesdaymorning.

“I had a conversation with them this morning on the intercom,”said Loyd Star Principal Terry Brister.

He said the entire school was shocked and grieving over theaccident. The students and teachers were all concerned about theboys’ conditions.

“They will be allowed to go to the flag pole at break to prayfor the children and their families,” said Brister.