Man crashes into church bus killing 13 victims, says he was texting

NTSB to begin probe of Texas bus-truck crash that killed 13
Officials: Callers saw truck swerving before Texas crash
Author

09 April, 2017

While dozens of cities across Texas prohibit the practice, there is no statewide ban on texting while driving.

The senior adults on the bus were members of First Baptist Church in New Braunfels, Texas.

"For reasons unknown the truck veered into the southbound lane and struck the bus head-on", Moreno said.

The Real County Sheriff's Office on Friday released emergency calls from witnesses moments before the pickup truck crashed into the church bus.

On Thursday, First Baptist New Braunfels set up a relief fund for the victims' family members. 83 near Garner State Park in Concan in Uvalde County, about 90 miles west of San Antonio.

Investigators said a pickup truck driven by Jack Young, 20, of Leakey, Texas, hit a bus from the church head-on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

A traffic accident reconstruction specialist meanwhile suggested to The San Antonio Express-News that any seatbelts fitted in the minibus might not have been suitable for protecting older, more vulnerable passengers, even if it was traveling at a moderate speed.

Uvalde police Lt. Daniel Rodriguez said a man called about 12:02 p.m. Wednesday to report the swerving truck heading north on US 83 and to ask deputies to respond.

Uvalde police Lt. Daniel Rodriguez says a man called about 12:02 p.m. Wednesday to report the swerving truck heading north on US 83 and to ask deputies to respond.

Authorities said the vehicles collided about 12:25 p.m. on USA 83 near the town of Concan.

Dispatchers in Real County received a call from a woman who reported a truck was driving erratically on US 83, county Constable Nathan Johnson said. Real County officers were out looking for the vehicle, but didn't see it. Johnson says another call came in to the Uvalde 911 dispatchers about the same vehicle. Kulcher, who says he had been driving behind Kulcher's white truck, witnessed the entire accident and was one of the first people on the scene.

But officials with the National Board of Transportation Safety said that distracted driving would be among the issues considered as the agency investigates the causes of the accident. The agency did not make any statements on the investigation.

The people aboard the bus during the crash ranged in age from 61 to 87.

He also told police that Young was driving around 80 miles per hour.

In photos and videos taken at the scene, both vehicles were heavily damaged on the front driver's side, and the rear of the bus appeared to rest on a guardrail.

Pastor Brad McLean said his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace" knowing his "members are with the Lord". Especially for older people. Anderson says they're having a hard time coping as some of them were friends with those who died.

Following the collision, 12 people were killed on the spot, and another church member was transported to the San Antonio Hospital where he later died due to the injuries he had sustained in the crash.

My San Anotonio reports Young was airlifted to University Hospital in San Antonio where he is now listed in stable condition.


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