From: NewsWest9 in Big Spring
DPS could not confirm the identities of those who died but said at this time no students were among those killed.
BIG SPRING, Texas — Two people are dead following a crash in Big Spring Friday afternoon.
According to DPS, an Andrews ISD bus was involved in a crash with a Ford F350 just before 5 p.m.
DPS says the truck was going westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-20 when it crashed into the bus around mile marker 179.
The truck hit the first bus head-on before colliding with a second AISD bus, causing minor damages. A third charter bus also carrying students was traveling behind the first two but did not get hit.
Sgt. Baker with Texas DPS tells NewsWest 9 that two people have died. One of those killed was the driver of the truck while the other was one of three adults on the charter bus.
The identities of these two have not been released at this time to ensure proper notification of next of kin.
DPS reports the adult who died and two other students were airlifted from the scene. The students are in critical condition but are stable.
Another adult and 11 students were taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
DPS said the truck caught on fire after striking the bus. A spokesperson said they do not believe the bus was ever on fire, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Students who did not go to the hospital were taken to the Big Spring Athletics Training Center, according to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Community members dropped of truckfuls of water and snacks for the students.
“Administrators are working to serve the needs of our students and their families,” said Andrews ISD in a statement.
The Andrews ISD superintendent said they would have counseling services available for the students in the coming weeks.
