ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) — Tragedy shakes a Howard County community. Five teenagers were hurt in a car crash right in front of their Ellicott City school.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the students’ conditions.

The crash happened just minutes after school let out. Many students watched in horror as it happened.

Just feet from the parking lot of Mt. Hebron High School, a mangled Honda Civic lays in pieces on the road.

Five students were inside after they left the school around 2:20 p.m. Thursday. Jeffrey Sinclair, 18, was behind the wheel when his car was hit by a Mack truck. He’s currently in critical condition at Shock Trauma.

The other passengers in his car, 17-year-old Justyn Alexander, 15-year old Michael Brooks, 17-year old Elisha Brown, and 16-year-old Urek Bradshaw were all treated and released from Howard County General Hospital.

Police investigators believe the car with the students inside pulled out of the school parking lot right into the path of the truck.

“Sadly one of the victims inside the car was flown to Shock Trauma,” said Howard County Police spokesperson Sherry Llewellyn.

The Ellicott City community is now praying for that victim, Jeffrey Sinclair.

“It’s going to be pretty tough. It’s going to be very tough. Everyone has just got to keep him in their prayers,” said Richard Brokenshire, a Mt. Hebron High School graduate.

Word of the crash spread quickly. Bryan Lee said his son left the same parking lot just moments before the wreck. Thursday night, his heart is with Sinclair’s family.

“We just pray that he pulls through and I mean, what else can you say? It’s just a tough lesson that has to be learned, I guess,” said Lee.

The teenager, faced with a tragic lesson, continues to fight for his life.

The driver of the truck was not injured.

The school has called in support staff Friday because so many students witnessed the crash.