A Texas church bus crash killed 13 people Wednesday afternoon after it collided head-on with a truck on U.S. 83 near Garner State Park.
Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Johnny Hernandez told the San Antonio Express-News that the collision happened at 12:23 p.m. The bus carrying members of the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels was traveling southbound and the Dodge truck northbound when the accident happened, Hernandez said.
"For reasons unknown, the truck veered into the southbound lane and struck the bus head-on," DPS Sgt. Orlando Moreno told the newspaper. "Give the investigators time to look at everything and then we'll know exactly what happened."
Murray Barrett, a retired teacher and the bus's driver, died with 11 passengers at the scene, noted the newspaper. Two other passengers were taken by air to San Antonio hospitals, where one died later, per the Express-News.
A statement on the church's website said a group of senior adults were returning from a three-day retreat at the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment when the collision happened. Family members of those involved in the accident were being ministered to.
"It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that 13 of the 14 passengers in today's bus accident were called home to Jesus," the website statement said. "The survivor is in serious but stable condition. Families have been notified. Out of respect for the families, we will wait until tomorrow to publish an official statement and list of names. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. Please continue to pray."
KENS-TV reported that U.S. 83 remained closed for several hours after the crash and the National Transportation Safety board has started an investigation into what happened.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement Wednesday expressing his condolences for the accident's victims.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.