12 Dead In Head-On Crash Involving Church Van In Texas
UVALDE COUNTY, Texas (CBSNewYork/CBSDFW.com/AP) -- Twelve people were killed Wednesday in a head-on crash between a church van and a pickup truck in southwest Texas.
CBS DFW reported that the crash happened around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday. Three others were injured, officials said.
Preliminary information from the DPS indicated a Dodge PU Dully was traveling north on US 83 and the church bus was traveling south on same highway just south of RR 1050 Wednesday afternoon, CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
A Texas Department of Public Safety representative told CBS affiliate KENS-TV, San Antonio Wednesday evening that the pickup truck veered into the oncoming lane and struck the bus. What caused the pickup truck to veer off course was unknown.
More From CBS Affiliate KENS-TV/San Antonio
The First Baptist Church of New Braunfels reported on its website that one of its vans was involved in the crash, KENS-TV reported.
"A group of our senior adults were returning home from a 3-day retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment when their vehicle was involved in a head-on collision," the church said on its website. "We have heard that there have been fatalities, but we have not received any official details from the local authorities."
A pastor at the church told KENS that his congregation was in shock following the crash, but he told the station he "finds peace knowing his members are with the Lord."
Church leaders told KENS late Wednesday that they did not have official details on the crash victims' identities.
Sgt. Conrad Hein of the Texas Department of Public Safety reports the van was carrying 14 people when it collided with the truck, which only had the driver inside. The people who were killed were all on the church van, KENS reported.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on the tragedy.
"Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event. We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."
