Multiple fatalities reported in Texas church bus crash
UVALDE COUNTY, Texas -- At least 13 people have died when a pickup truck veered into a church bus causing a head-on collision that closed a two-lane highway near Garner State Park on Wednesday afternoon, according to Texas’ Department of Public Safety.
The total number of deceased includes the driver of the bus and 12 passengers. The identities have not been released.
Three victims were rushed to a local hospital, according to Conrad Hein of Texas’ Department of Public Safety, including the driver of the pickup truck who is listed in stable condition.
First Baptist Church of New Braunfels said on its website that one of its buses was involved in the crash. The bus was carrying senior citizens back from a retreat, CBS affiliate KENS-TV reports.
The church’s statement reads, in part:
“We understand there have been some fatalities, but we do not yet know who. All activities for tonight are canceled. The Sanctuary will be open [Wednesday] evening for prayer and support. Please be in prayer for all involved.”
Senior Pastor of FBC New Braunfels, Brad McLean, responds to news about today's fatal crash involving his members. #kens5eyewitness
Posted by James Keith - KENS 5 on Wednesday, March 29, 2017
CBS News has confirmed with the Texas Department of Public Safety that there were 14 occupants aboard the church bus and a lone occupant in the truck.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on Twitter following the deadly incident:
Statement on today’s tragic accident. https://t.co/cCnnfj1gYX pic.twitter.com/zes4B6IBfR
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) March 29, 2017
KENS-TV reports the event the bus was returning from is an annual spring retreat and it was for people age 55 and older.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also expressed his condolences Wednesday:
My prayers are with the families impacted by this tragic accident - especially for those who have lost loved ones. https://t.co/OZKQejz6l6
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) March 29, 2017
The sheriff’s office said traffic was being re-routed.
Uvalde County is about 75 miles west of San Antonio.
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent investigators to the scene, NTSB spokesman Terry Williams said.
Photos and video of the crash’s aftermath showed heavy damage to the front drivers’ sides of both vehicles where it appeared the two had collided. The back of the bus was up on a guardrail, with glass and debris scattered onto the grass below.
Hein said the small bus was a 2004 Turtle Top, though he did not know the specific model. Turtle Top’s website features shuttle buses with capacities ranging from 17 to 51 passengers, which they bill as “a great alternative to the standard 15-passenger van.” Safety concerns have long surrounded the 15-passenger vans, also frequently used by churches and other groups, with advocates saying they can be difficult to control in an emergency.
This is a developing story. Please check back for latest updates.