Officials are investigating a fiery car crash that wrecked an Elizabeth family, leaving three young children without parents Sunday.

Authorities say 29-year-old Arturo Lopez Mendez and 30-year-old Christina Guardado were driving with their children, ages 2 to 7, in their minivan on the Staten Island Expressway about 4 a.m. Sunday. According to officials, the minivan veered off the road, hit a tree and burst into flames. The children were pulled from the flames, but officials say they only suffered minor injuries.

The victims? neighbors expressed disbelief that they perished in the accident. Many said they are worried about who will take care of the children.