Texas Church Bus Crash: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

At least 12 people have died after a church bus carrying seniors crashed head-on into a pickup truck in Texas.

Three other people were injured in the gruesome crash, which occurred near Concan, Texas.

The crash took place near Garner State Park, and it killed almost everyone in the church vehicle. Photos and videos captured the scene of the horrific collision.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Bus Was Carrying Seniors From a Baptist Church in New Braunfels

According to News4SanAntonio, the “bus carrying seniors from the First Baptist church in New Braunfels collided with a heavy-duty pick-up truck.”

Authorities have not yet released much information about the pickup truck’s driver. However, CNN reported that the driver did not die. According to CNN, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the pickup driver has not been identified.

Details were still unfolding on March 29.

2. The Seniors Were Returning From a Retreat

The church, First Baptist New Braunfels, posted several messages on Facebook, which said the bus was returning from a retreat. MySanAntonio.com reported that the event was a choir retreat.

“We have received word that the bus carrying our senior adults back from their retreat was involved in an accident,” the pastor wrote. “We understand there have been some fatalities. All activities for tonight are cancelled, including dinner. The Sanctuary will be open this evening for prayer and support. Please be in prayer for all involved.”

The church also released an official statement through social media that read, “At approximately 2 pm this afternoon, 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. We have heard that there have been fatalities, but we have not received any official details from the local authorities. We are ministering to family members to help them deal with this tragedy. Counselors will be on hand at the church tomorrow. If you’re a Christian, you can pray for those who lost their loved ones and for the church family.”

3. Almost Everyone Inside the Bus Died

According to Fox News, 14 people were on the church bus.

The pickup driver was the lone occupant of that vehicle, Fox News reported. That means that 15 people were involved in the crash overall, and 12 of those people are dead.

4. An Eyewitness Described the Crash Scene as ‘Gruesome’

Rick Ballesteros, of Uvalde, Texas, “came upon the scene of the accident,” according to Fox News.

“It was a really gruesome scene,” he told reporters.

5. Politicians Released Statements Grieving for the Victims

“We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz tweeted, “My prayers are with the families impacted by this tragic accident – especially for those who have lost loved ones.”

Jessica McBride is a Heavy contributor. She was a crime, government, and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and reporter for the Waukesha Freeman newspaper. Her award-winning work has appeared in numerous magazine, newspaper, and online publications. She has also appeared as a crime reporter on Investigation Discovery Channel, History Channel, and Oxygen Channel. She can be reached by email at jessica.mcbride@heavy.com.
March 29, 2017 7:48 pm