Prison Bus Strikes Train In Texas, 10 Killed

ODESSA, Texas (AP) —
Authorities investigate the scene of a prison bus crash, Wednesday, in Penwell, Texas.  (AP Photo/Odessa American, Mark Sterkel)
Authorities investigate the scene of a prison bus crash, Wednesday, in Penwell, Texas. (AP Photo/Odessa American, Mark Sterkel)

Eight inmates and two corrections officers died Wednesday when a prison bus skidded off an icy West Texas highway, slid down an embankment and collided with a passing freight train, authorities said.

An earlier accident on the I-20 overpass may have contributed to the prison bus losing control, Donaldson said.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed the 10 deaths in a statement, adding that four prisoners and one corrections officer were injured.

The Union Pacific freight train with four locomotives and 58 cars came to a stop soon after. None of the cars derailed, but two containers at the rear of the train were damaged, said Mark Davis, a railroad spokesman.

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