Three Alabama high school cheerleaders were killed on Christmas Day when one lost control of their car and smashed into a tree, authorities said Thursday.

The 16-year-old girls — Addyson Martin, Emilee Fain and Cassidy Dunn — had just left a home where they were celebrating the holiday together when their SUV careened off the road about 6 p.m., authorities said.

“We’re not sure for what reason they lost control, but it hit a big oak tree,” said Lt. Michael McDuffie, a spokesman for the Geneva Police Department.

“It could have been a deer ran out in front of them,” he said.

The three teenagers — all students at Geneva High School — were “in the front seat of the car,” according to Geneva County Coroner Donny Adkinson.

Two other girls were in the car with them at the time of the crash.

One of the girls in the back seat was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital in Birmingham. She is expected to recover.

The other girl in the back was not seriously injured.

A photo from local outlet WTVY-TV showed the wrecked vehicle, with its roof apparently ripped off.

In addition to cheering, the victims were also on the volleyball team and involved in several other school and community activities.

“These young ladies were very active in the school,” McDuffie told AL.com. “It’s a tremendous loss for the community.”

“We’re just asking for prayers for the families and the first responders,” he said.

With Post wires