This article was originally published in The Examiner on April 6, 2017.
By Eleanor Skelton
Staff Writer
A truck hit a church bus head on, killing 13 people on Highway 83 near Garner State Park Wednesday, March 29.
The bus was carrying senior adults returning home from a three-day retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment, First Baptist Church of New Braunfels said.
“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that 13 of the 14 passengers in today’s bus accident were called home to Jesus,” the church posted on its Facebook page at 10:40 p.m. March 29. “The survivor is in serious but stable condition. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. Please continue to pray.”
The church’s previous posts said that the collision occurred about 2 p.m. on March 29.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the tragedy.
“Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today’s tragic event,” he said in a news release. “We are saddened by the loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, and ask that all Texans join us in offering their thoughts and prayers.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said they are continuing to investigate what led to the fatal accident. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) staff were scheduled to arrive the morning of March 30 to begin the federal investigation along with Texas DPS investigators.
All of the individuals who were involved in the crash have been positively identified, and the next of kin have been notified, Texas DPS said.
Eleanor Skelton 