NEWTON, N.C. -- Two young brothers are the only survivors of a crash that killed three others, including their 12-year-old sibling.

The traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 10 in Newton was not working properly at the time of the crash early Wednesday. Officials said a power outage caused one side to flash red while the other flashed yellow.

State troopers said a car with two women, ages 66 and 56, and three boys was returning to Claremont from a store. It was crushed by a truck from Gastonia that entered the intersection at the same time.

Trooper Bobby Lineberger said, “We think they had been to Honeys supermarket in downtown Newton.”

He said it appears they got to the flashing red light and didn’t stop.

The women and one of the boys died.

The boy’s younger brothers were rushed to a local hospital. Both are in critical condition.

Firefighters and rescuers who pulled two of the brothers from the wreckage said their thoughts are with the family.

"Any time you involve children, it makes it a lot more serious. It’s hard on us mentally. It’s hard on us all. Makes you want to call home," said Kevin Carpenter of the Newton Fire Department.