Tragic Crash in Texas Claims Lives of 8 as Driver Under Investigation for Human Smuggling

Eight individuals lost their lives in a tragic accident in Texas, when a driver suspected of human smuggling attempted to flee from authorities and collided head-on with another vehicle. The incident took place at around 6:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 57 near Batesville, approximately 83 miles southwest of San Antonio.

According to Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety, the 21-year-old driver was operating a Honda and had managed to evade the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office. In an attempt to escape, the driver illegally overtook an 18-wheeler in a no-passing zone. Unfortunately, the Honda collided head-on with a Chevrolet SUV, resulting in both vehicles being severely damaged and the SUV catching fire.

All six occupants of the Honda, who were reportedly from Honduras, and the two individuals from Georgia inside the SUV, tragically lost their lives in the crash. The devastating images released by the authorities showcased the wreckage and debris scattered across the highway.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has chosen to withhold the names of the victims until their families can be properly notified. The investigation into the accident is still ongoing.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers and risks associated with human smuggling. In a similar tragedy last year, over 50 migrants were found dead in an abandoned truck in San Antonio, marking one of the deadliest human smuggling cases in recent U.S. history. The discovery was made when a witness heard cries for help and discovered at least one body.

Unfortunately, multiple crashes, some fatal, have been linked to human smuggling cases. In November of last year, one person lost their life and eleven others were hospitalized in La Joya, Texas, near the Mexico border, when the driver evaded law enforcement and ran a red light. Due to the number of individuals involved, authorities suspected human smuggling to be the motive.

Similarly, in June 2022, a crash in Encinal, Texas resulted in the deaths of four migrants and injuries to two others. The migrants were traveling in a vehicle that collided with a TNI Trucking Co. vehicle.

The original article was published on NBCNews.com.