A vehicle drove into a cycling team from a Tennessee university, killing two students and injuring seven others, according to authorities.

Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A vehicle drove into a cycling team from a Tennessee university, killing two students and injuring seven others, according to authorities, who said the driver has been arrested on homicide charges.

Eleven members of the Milligan University cycling team were cycling on Highway 19 near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County when a vehicle drove into the group at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, authorities told reporters at a press conference.

Milligan University President Steven Waers identified the deceased students as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers.

Authorities said a large number of first responders were dispatched to the scene. Two of the injured were airlifted to the hospital, where six remained, including four in critical condition in the surgical intensive care unit at Johnson City Medical Center, medical officials said.

Of those four patients, one will require additional surgeries, Dr. Bracken Burns said.

"We're going to take the best care of these kids, the same as I would for my own children," he said, stating that his two children are student-athlete graduates of the school, as is his son-in-law.

Tennessee First Judicial District Attorney General Steven Finney identified the suspected driver as John Benfield, 69, of Newland, N.C.

He said Benfield has been charged with two counts of vehicle homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness.

Asked if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Finney said all he could say was that it was an ongoing investigation.

Located in northeastern Tennessee, Milligan University is a small Christian college with a student body of a little more than 1,230.

"It is more important than ever right now that we are a community gathered around Jesus and we need Jesus deeply," an emotional Waers said.

"So, I would like to invite the entire community into prayer with us, into grief with the families with us, and into deep prayer for the families of those we have lost. I'd like to also invite you into prayer for those who are still receiving care. Lord Jesus, we need you. Have mercy."