ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (AP) — Family members say the four women who died in an interstate crash west of Alexandria were college roommates heading back to North Dakota State University.

Michelle Renninger, of Excelsior, says her 18-year-old daughter, Danielle, and three other Minnesota friends died when their car crossed the median on Interstate 94 and was broadsided by an SUV Monday afternoon. Renninger says her family is devastated by Danielle's death.

An official at North Dakota State University says the mood on campus is somber after four students were killed in a Minnesota traffic accident.

Prakash (pruh-KAHSH') Matthew, the school's vice president for student affairs, says three of the victims shared a dormitory suite. The fourth lived in a separate hall.

Matthew said the school hasn't had such a tragedy in his 35 years there.

Heavy snow, fog, strong winds and temperatures hovering around freezing made travel difficult Monday. The Star Tribune (http://bit.ly/wd3tN0 ) says the State Patrol has not made a final determination on whether those conditions were factors in the crash.

The SUV that struck the women's car was hit from behind by a third vehicle. Injured victims in those vehicles were taken to a nearby hospital.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the women's car crossed the median of Interstate 94 near Alexandria and was struck by an SUV, which was hit by a third vehicle. The women were identified as Lauren Peterson of Prior Lake, Megan Sample of Rogers, Danielle Renninger of Excelsior, all 18, and 19-year-old Jordan Playle of Elk River.

Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.