Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
Deadly bus crash update 6
UVALDE COUNTY, TX – Thirteen people were killed and two were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon inbetween a church bus and a pickup truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The bus was carrying senior members of Very first Baptist Church in Fresh Braunfels. Only one victim inwards the bus has survived the crash while the other thirteen have died. Both are listed in fair condition at local hospitals.
On Friday, calls to local county sheriff's offices expose that a witness, Jody Kuchler, reported observing the truck that crashed into the church bus driving erratically. Kuchler even recorded movie on a cell phone of the truck swerving all across the highway before the deadly crash.
Kuchler also said that he was among the very first to arrive on the scene of the crash and that the driver of the truck, identified as 20-year-old Jack Dillon Youthful, said that he'd been dispersed because he was on his cell phone.
Kuchler claims that he did not smell any alcohol when he approached the driver of the truck while he was pinned inwards his vehicle and that he doesn't think that alcohol was a factor in the crash. But the Texas Department of Public safety will have to determine that with their own investigation.
A crash inbetween a pickup truck and church bus left twelve people dead and three injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board provided an update to their investigation on Friday in Uvalde.
“That bus was tooled with seat belts. The rear passenger seats on the bus were tooled with only lap belts, so lap-only belts," said Jennifer Morrison, an NTSB investigator. "Preliminarily, at this time, it emerges that most if not all of the bus passengers were wearing seat belts.”
Morrison was asked to clarify what she meant by "rear passenger seats" and how many of the passengers only had access to lap belts:
“The driver, as well as his front-seat passenger, had standard, three-point seat belts. The rear occupants had lap-only. At this time, preliminarily, we believe that most if not all passengers on the bus were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.”
NTSB says that their investigation will proceed "for the better part of a week."
Meantime, the Fresh Braunfels community proceeds to grieve the loss of so many of their church-going citizens, friends, and family members.
A DPS spokesperson said Wednesday evening that the pickup truck traveling on Highway eighty three near Garner State Park veered into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. It had not been determined what caused the driver to cross into the other lane.
Pastor Brad McLean said his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace" knowing his "members are with the Lord."
On Thursday, KENS five embarked learning more about the victims as the names were released to the public.
Many of the lives lost were retirees who left behind large families.
Chopper five captured movie of the scene of the crash.
The names of the thirteen victims and two survivors were released Thursday morning.
The church members had been attending an annual spring retreat for people age fifty five and older.
>>> Ease Fund & Memorial Service for Texas Bus Tragedy Victims
Two of the victims were transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for treatment after the crash, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. One of those people later died.
One other victim was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement in response to the crash, telling he dreamed to extend his deepest condolences:
"We are saddened by the loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the very first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy."
A KENS five viewer sent in this photo of the major crash near Garner State park. (Photo: Viewer photo)
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
Deadly bus crash update 6
UVALDE COUNTY, TX – Thirteen people were killed and two were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon inbetween a church bus and a pickup truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The bus was carrying senior members of Very first Baptist Church in Fresh Braunfels. Only one victim inwards the bus has survived the crash while the other thirteen have died. Both are listed in fair condition at local hospitals.
On Friday, calls to local county sheriff's offices expose that a witness, Jody Kuchler, reported observing the truck that crashed into the church bus driving erratically. Kuchler even recorded movie on a cell phone of the truck swerving all across the highway before the deadly crash.
Kuchler also said that he was among the very first to arrive on the scene of the crash and that the driver of the truck, identified as 20-year-old Jack Dillon Youthful, said that he'd been dispersed because he was on his cell phone.
Kuchler claims that he did not smell any alcohol when he approached the driver of the truck while he was pinned inwards his vehicle and that he doesn't think that alcohol was a factor in the crash. But the Texas Department of Public safety will have to determine that with their own investigation.
A crash inbetween a pickup truck and church bus left twelve people dead and three injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board provided an update to their investigation on Friday in Uvalde.
“That bus was tooled with seat belts. The rear passenger seats on the bus were tooled with only lap belts, so lap-only belts," said Jennifer Morrison, an NTSB investigator. "Preliminarily, at this time, it shows up that most if not all of the bus passengers were wearing seat belts.”
Morrison was asked to clarify what she meant by "rear passenger seats" and how many of the passengers only had access to lap belts:
“The driver, as well as his front-seat passenger, had standard, three-point seat belts. The rear occupants had lap-only. At this time, preliminarily, we believe that most if not all passengers on the bus were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.”
NTSB says that their investigation will proceed "for the better part of a week."
Meantime, the Fresh Braunfels community proceeds to grieve the loss of so many of their church-going citizens, friends, and family members.
A DPS spokesperson said Wednesday evening that the pickup truck traveling on Highway eighty three near Garner State Park veered into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. It had not been determined what caused the driver to cross into the other lane.
Pastor Brad McLean said his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace" knowing his "members are with the Lord."
On Thursday, KENS five commenced learning more about the victims as the names were released to the public.
Many of the lives lost were retirees who left behind large families.
Chopper five captured movie of the scene of the crash.
The names of the thirteen victims and two survivors were released Thursday morning.
The church members had been attending an annual spring retreat for people age fifty five and older.
>>> Ease Fund & Memorial Service for Texas Bus Tragedy Victims
Two of the victims were transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for treatment after the crash, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. One of those people later died.
One other victim was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement in response to the crash, telling he desired to extend his deepest condolences:
"We are saddened by the loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the very first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy."
A KENS five viewer sent in this photo of the major crash near Garner State park. (Photo: Viewer photo)
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
UVALDE COUNTY, TX – Thirteen people were killed and two were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon inbetween a church bus and a pickup truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The bus was carrying senior members of Very first Baptist Church in Fresh Braunfels. Only one victim inwards the bus has survived the crash while the other thirteen have died. Both are listed in fair condition at local hospitals.
On Friday, calls to local county sheriff's offices expose that a witness, Jody Kuchler, reported eyeing the truck that crashed into the church bus driving erratically. Kuchler even recorded movie on a cell phone of the truck swerving all across the highway before the deadly crash.
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Caption
Kuchler also said that he was among the very first to arrive on the scene of the crash and that the driver of the truck, identified as 20-year-old Jack Dillon Youthful, said that he'd been dispersed because he was on his cell phone.
Kuchler claims that he did not smell any alcohol when he approached the driver of the truck while he was pinned inwards his vehicle and that he doesn't think that alcohol was a factor in the crash. But the Texas Department of Public safety will have to determine that with their own investigation.
A crash inbetween a pickup truck and church bus left twelve people dead and three injured.
A crash inbetween a pickup truck and church bus left twelve people dead and three injured. less
The National Transportation Safety Board provided an update to their investigation on Friday in Uvalde.
“That bus was tooled with seat belts. The rear passenger seats on the bus were tooled with only lap belts, so lap-only belts," said Jennifer Morrison, an NTSB investigator. "Preliminarily, at this time, it shows up that most if not all of the bus passengers were wearing seat belts.”
Share This Movie
Caption
Morrison was asked to clarify what she meant by "rear passenger seats" and how many of the passengers only had access to lap belts:
“The driver, as well as his front-seat passenger, had standard, three-point seat belts. The rear occupants had lap-only. At this time, preliminarily, we believe that most if not all passengers on the bus were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.”
NTSB says that their investigation will proceed "for the better part of a week."
Meantime, the Fresh Braunfels community proceeds to grieve the loss of so many of their church-going citizens, friends, and family members.
A DPS spokesperson said Wednesday evening that the pickup truck traveling on Highway eighty three near Garner State Park veered into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. It had not been determined what caused the driver to cross into the other lane.
Pastor Brad McLean said his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace" knowing his "members are with the Lord."
On Thursday, KENS five began learning more about the victims as the names were released to the public.
Many of the lives lost were retirees who left behind large families.
Chopper five captured movie of the scene of the crash.
Chopper five captured movie of the scene of the crash. less
The names of the thirteen victims and two survivors were released Thursday morning.
The church members had been attending an annual spring retreat for people age fifty five and older.
>>> Ease Fund & Memorial Service for Texas Bus Tragedy Victims
Two of the victims were transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for treatment after the crash, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. One of those people later died.
One other victim was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
UVALDE COUNTY, TX – Thirteen people were killed and two were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon inbetween a church bus and a pickup truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The bus was carrying senior members of Very first Baptist Church in Fresh Braunfels. Only one victim inwards the bus has survived the crash while the other thirteen have died. Both are listed in fair condition at local hospitals.
On Friday, calls to local county sheriff's offices expose that a witness, Jody Kuchler, reported watching the truck that crashed into the church bus driving erratically. Kuchler even recorded movie on a cell phone of the truck swerving all across the highway before the deadly crash.
Share This Movie
Caption
Kuchler also said that he was among the very first to arrive on the scene of the crash and that the driver of the truck, identified as 20-year-old Jack Dillon Youthfull, said that he'd been dissipated because he was on his cell phone.
Kuchler claims that he did not smell any alcohol when he approached the driver of the truck while he was pinned inwards his vehicle and that he doesn't think that alcohol was a factor in the crash. But the Texas Department of Public safety will have to determine that with their own investigation.
A crash inbetween a pickup truck and church bus left twelve people dead and three injured.
A crash inbetween a pickup truck and church bus left twelve people dead and three injured. less
The National Transportation Safety Board provided an update to their investigation on Friday in Uvalde.
“That bus was tooled with seat belts. The rear passenger seats on the bus were tooled with only lap belts, so lap-only belts," said Jennifer Morrison, an NTSB investigator. "Preliminarily, at this time, it emerges that most if not all of the bus passengers were wearing seat belts.”
Share This Movie
Caption
Morrison was asked to clarify what she meant by "rear passenger seats" and how many of the passengers only had access to lap belts:
“The driver, as well as his front-seat passenger, had standard, three-point seat belts. The rear occupants had lap-only. At this time, preliminarily, we believe that most if not all passengers on the bus were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.”
NTSB says that their investigation will proceed "for the better part of a week."
Meantime, the Fresh Braunfels community proceeds to grieve the loss of so many of their church-going citizens, friends, and family members.
A DPS spokesperson said Wednesday evening that the pickup truck traveling on Highway eighty three near Garner State Park veered into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. It had not been determined what caused the driver to cross into the other lane.
Pastor Brad McLean said his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace" knowing his "members are with the Lord."
On Thursday, KENS five began learning more about the victims as the names were released to the public.
Many of the lives lost were retirees who left behind large families.
Chopper five captured movie of the scene of the crash.
Chopper five captured movie of the scene of the crash. less
The names of the thirteen victims and two survivors were released Thursday morning.
The church members had been attending an annual spring retreat for people age fifty five and older.
>>> Ease Fund & Memorial Service for Texas Bus Tragedy Victims
Two of the victims were transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for treatment after the crash, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. One of those people later died.
One other victim was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Deadly church bus crash: What we know now
DEADLY CHURCH BUS CRASH: WHAT WE KNOW NOW
Thirteen people were killed and two were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon inbetween a church bus and a pickup truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Thirteen people were killed and two were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon inbetween a church bus and a pickup truck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The bus was carrying senior members of Very first Baptist Church in Fresh Braunfels. Only one victim inwards the bus has survived the crash while the other thirteen have died. Both are listed in fair condition at local hospitals.
On Friday, calls to local county sheriff’s offices expose that a witness, Jody Kuchler, reported eyeing the truck that crashed into the church bus driving erratically. Kuchler even recorded movie on a cell phone of the truck swerving all across the highway before the deadly crash.
Kuchler also said that he was among the very first to arrive on the scene of the crash and that the driver of the truck, identified as 20-year-old Jack Dillon Youthfull, said that he’d been dispersed because he was on his cell phone.
Kuchler claims that he did not smell any alcohol when he approached the driver of the truck while he was pinned inwards his vehicle and that he doesn’t think that alcohol was a factor in the crash. But the Texas Department of Public safety will have to determine that with their own investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board provided an update to their investigation on Friday in Uvalde.
“That bus was tooled with seat belts. The rear passenger seats on the bus were tooled with only lap belts, so lap-only belts," said Jennifer Morrison, an NTSB investigator. "Preliminarily, at this time, it shows up that most if not all of the bus passengers were wearing seat belts.”
Morrison was asked to clarify what she meant by "rear passenger seats" and how many of the passengers only had access to lap belts:
“The driver, as well as his front-seat passenger, had standard, three-point seat belts. The rear occupants had lap-only. At this time, preliminarily, we believe that most if not all passengers on the bus were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.”
NTSB says that their investigation will proceed "for the better part of a week."
Meantime, the Fresh Braunfels community resumes to grieve the loss of so many of their church-going citizens, friends, and family members.
A DPS spokesperson said Wednesday evening that the pickup truck traveling on Highway eighty three near Garner State Park veered into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. It had not been determined what caused the driver to cross into the other lane.
Pastor Brad McLean said his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace" knowing his "members are with the Lord."
On Thursday, KENS five embarked learning more about the victims as the names were released to the public.
Many of the lives lost were retirees who left behind large families.
The names of the thirteen victims and two survivors were released Thursday morning.
The church members had been attending an annual spring retreat for people age fifty five and older.
>>> Ease Fund & Memorial Service for Texas Bus Tragedy Victims
Two of the victims were transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for treatment after the crash, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. One of those people later died.
One other victim was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement in response to the crash, telling he desired to extend his deepest condolences:
"We are saddened by the loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those affected. We thank the very first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy."