At least eight inmates and two correctional officers have been confirmed dead this morning as a result of a crash involving a Texas Department of Criminal Justice transportation bus.
According to a press release issued by the TDCJ this morning, the bus was traveling from the Middleton Unit in Abilene to the Sanchez Unit in El Paso at approximately 7:30 a.m. when the accident occurred.
Preliminary investigation yields the vehicle left the roadway on a bridge near mile marker 103 on Interstate 20 and landed on train tracks below. The transportation bus was then struck by a passing train. Mile marker 103 is west of Odessa near Penwell.
Eight inmates and two correctional officers have so far been confirmed dead in the crash, however troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety remain on scene in an investigative capacity. An additional four inmates and one staff member have been transported to the medical center in Odessa and are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of those killed and injured this morning in a tragic accident. Their loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers,” said Brad Livingston, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The investigation is ongoing.
Below is tweet from the Odessa American that contains an image of the crash.
UPS rail cars damaged in TDCJ bus collision near Penwell. pic.twitter.com/y5eMbH5jL8
— OAphotoEditor (@OAphotoEditor) January 14, 2015
Officials investigate scene of TDCJ bus/train crash near Penwell. pic.twitter.com/KXJDAiFLvP
— OAphotoEditor (@OAphotoEditor) January 14, 2015
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