Church Bus Accident in Hill Country

A completely tragic and catastrophic collision between a white pickup truck and a New Braunfels Church Bus occurred 75 miles northwest of San Antonio. Twelve individuals were killed and three injured.

A Texas DPS Trooper reported that 12 individuals were killed when a small church bus and a pickup truck collided in the Texas Hill Country. The individuals in the bus were senior adults who were returning from a three-day church retreat.

DPS Officer Conrad Hein additionally reported that only two of those in the church vehicle were hospitalized after surviving the crash Wednesday in northern Uvalde County about 75 miles west of San Antonio.

Officer Hein of the DPS has confirmed that the bus carrying members of First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas, was a white 2004 Turtle Top bus. It is believed that the Turtle Top Bus was manufactured in Indiana. The condition of the bus and the maintenance history of the bus will be reviewed in detail going forward on this tragedy.

The lone person in the white pickup truck survived and will be questioned to understand his rate of speed and specific position on the roadway prior to this collision.

It is further understood that the National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to the crash scene.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued the following statement:

In a statement, Abbott said he and his wife, Cecilia, extend their "deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event." He said they are "saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected."

The governor added that he and his wife "thank the first responders working on the scene" and "ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers."

The van was carrying 14 senior members of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas. The collision occurred near Garner State Park, about 75 miles west of San Antonio.

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. Hein did not know the exact number of deaths.

The crash happened about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. 83 outside Garner State Park, about 75 miles (120.7 km) west of San Antonio.

This accident is tragic. It is our Law Firms intent to begin investigating this accident, determine the cause of the accident and determine if the vehicles and/or tires were defective. If you help, please call us day or night at 800-862-1260.