Three killed after crashing into 7ft crocodile and veering into tree in horror smash in Mexico

THREE people have died after the car they were driving in crashed into a 7 foot crocodile and swerved into a tree.

The pick-up truck, carrying seven people, veered off course after coming across the giant reptile in Mexico late at night.

Four other passengers in the car at the time are now in hospital.

Janet Guadalupe, Ramon Misael, and Cristian Eduardo, all aged between 20 and 22 died in the horror smash.

The driver, who was making their way down a coastal road at night, tried to swerve when they saw the crocodile.

But they collided with the beast, the car overturned and slammed into a tree.

The crocodile had likely crawled from the close-by wetlands in Eldorado, Sinaloa.

It was later found dead in the road before locals reportedly tore the animal apart out of anger.

Two of those taken to hospital suffered head trauma in the accident.

Three are in serious condition.

They have been named as Jesus Eduardo, 22, Itati Guadalupe, 21, and Julia Amairany, 18. 

The fourth, 14-year-old Maria Fernanda was also injured.

The horror crash, which happened around 11pm on Wednesday evening, struck about 70 kilometers south of Culiacan.