At least nine people, who are believed to be illegal immigrants, died in a van accident in southern Texas on Tuesday night, it was reported.
The van rolled over several times at around 10:30 p.m. along Expressway 83, The Monitor reported. Six other people were hospitalized in the accident.
“This is early, and it’s an ongoing investigation,” Border Patrol spokesperson Enrique Mendiola told the newspaper, adding that from his perspective, the van likely was involved in smuggling illegal immigrants.
“It’s too early to determine that, but it’s what’s suspected,” Mendiola added.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency told the publication that it is working to determine the origins of those who died and investigating the circumstances of the wreck.
Palmview Police Cmdr. Lenny Sanchez told KWTV that there were 19 people inside the van, adding that two people fled the scene of the crash and are still on the loose.
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