A two-vehicle accident claimed the lives of two young children from Shelton Wednesday night and shut down Route 110 for nearly eight hours.

Police said a woman driving toward Shelton along Route 110 with her three children in the back collided head-on with a cargo van. They said when they arrived on scene, two of the children had already died. The mother, Marsha Pitera, and one of her daughters, 7-year-old Haley Pitera, were injured and taken to the hospital.

One of the deceased, 9-year-old John Pitera, had just finished third grade at Long Hill Elementary School in Shelton. His sister Morgan, who also died in the accident, was going into second grade.

Investigators are looking to see if alcohol or speeding played a role in the deadly crash. Stratford Police Chief John Buturla said the investigation will include an examination of where the individuals involved had been during the 24 hours leading up to the accident. He said it could take weeks before police know what caused the two cars to crash.

Marsha Pitera remains in serious condition and Haley Pitera has been upgraded to fair condition. Both are in Bridgeport Hospital.