ORANGEVILLE — A two-vehicle accident midday Friday just outside Orangeville killed two people traveling together in one of the vehicles, according to the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office.

They were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities were withheld pending notification of family.

The critically injured occupant of the second vehicle was also not identified.

The crash was reported at 12:13 p.m. on Illinois 26, a half-mile north of Orangeville Road.

"Upon arrival of first responders, it was determined that two occupants in one of the vehicles were deceased," a release from the sheriff's office stated at about 4:30 p.m. Friday.

The occupant in the second vehicle was flown by REACT helicopter to the Mercyhealth hospital in Rockford.

Illinois 26 from Winslow Road to Orangeville Road remained closed until 5:30 p.m. due to the accident, according to the Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency.

The accident is still under investigation. Assisting deputies at the scene were the Illinois State Police, Leamon's Ambulance, Stephenson County Coroner's Office, Illinois Department of Transportation, Stephenson County Sheriff's Reserve Unit and fire departments from Orangeville, Winslow, Lena and Cedarville.