College Golf Team Involved in Deadly Head-On Crash in Texas
A terrible tragedy occurred Tuesday night just north of Midland, Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety has confirmed that nine people were killed in a two-vehicle head-on collision that took place around 8:15 p.m.
According to a report, the crash involved a Ford pick-up truck and a 17-passenger van. The van was carrying members of the University of the Southwest golf team who had just wrapped up day one of competing in the TankLogix Invitational in Midland. The accident occurred on FM 1788, north of Midland.
The preliminary DPS report indicates that the driver of the southbound pick-up truck for unknown reasons veered into the northbound lane striking the school's van. Both vehicles caught on fire. Seven passengers including the coach of the golf teams were deceased. Two persons in the pick-up truck were also killed in the accident.
The University of the Southwest is based in Hobbs, New Mexico, just west of the Texas border. They released the following statement on the school's Facebook Page:
The USW campus community is shocked and saddened today as we mourn the loss of members of our university family. Last night, the men’s and women’s golf teams were traveling back to campus from a competition in Midland, Texas, when their bus was struck by oncoming traffic. Nine passengers, including the coach, were on the university bus involved in the fatal accident. While the accident investigation is still underway, reports indicate that seven passengers aboard the bus were killed in the crash. Two of the passengers are in critical condition undergoing medical treatment in Lubbock, Texas. USW is coordinating with Texas DPS to assist with the investigation and public information efforts. University administration is communicating with families of the students and coaching staff to provide more information as it becomes available.USW counseling staff and the worship team will be available on campus today to provide support for students, faculty, and staff. Please keep the families of students, coaching staff, and the USW community in your prayers as we come together to support one another during this difficult time.
The crash remains under investigation.
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