JOURDANTON, Texas -- Students and residents in the South Texas town of Jourdanton are mourning the deaths of two children killed Friday evening in a crash near the community.

Joseph Barrientes, 8, and his 2-year-old sister, Alyssa, died when the vehicle they were riding in suffered a blown tire, lost control and rolled over along Highway 173. Jourdanton is located about 50 miles south of San Antonio.

In all, six people were thrown from the vehicle, including the two children, said state troopers, who also said there was a booster seat, but no child safety seats nor anybody buckled up properly.

"There's no good reason not to have the proper protocol and equipment in place for children to be safe," said resident Melissa Cozzitorto.

Counselors were present Monday at Jourdanton Elementary School, where Joseph was a second-grade student, as well as at the nearby junior high and high schools, district officials said.

"He was a really nice young man, good student," said Michele Hartung, principal of Jourdanton Elementary. "We recently went on a field trip and he had a great time."

Parents and staff said they hope the loss of the Barrientes children can create more awareness for using child safety seats and seat belts.