Church Bus Crash Kills 12, Injures 3 in Texas Near Garner State Park

By Julie Brown Patton 29 Mar, 2017 20:42 EDT

Texas Church Crash — A dozen people are dead after a shuttle bus carrying members from First Baptist Chuch in New Braunfels collided with a pickup truck on Highway 83 near Garner State Park Wednesday afternoon. KREM-TV

Twelve people were killed and three injured in a crash between a church bus and pickup truck, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Wednesday afternoon.

First Baptist Church of New Braunfels representatives stated on the church's website that one of its buses was involved in the crash. The bus reportedly was carrying senior citizens back from a three-day retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment when their vehicle was involved in a head-on collision.

"We are ministering to family members to help them deal with this tragedy. Counselors will be on hand at the church tomorrow," was the statement on the First Baptist Church website.

At least two victims were transported to University Hospital in San Antonio for treatment after the crash, according to a spokesperson for the hospital, reported KREM-TV.

Uvalde County Sheriff's Office representatives said the major crash caused Highway 83 north to close near Garner State Park around 2 p.m. WISH-TV reported Garner State Park is approximately 88 miles west of San Antonio.

Sgt. Conrad Hein of the Texas Department of Public Safety reports the van was carrying 14 people when it collided with the truck, which only had the driver inside.

All activities were cancelled at the church this evening, except for the Sanctuary being open for prayer and support. A pastor at the church told KENS-TV his congregation is in shock following the crash, but "finds peace knowing his members are with the Lord."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also released a statement in response to the crash, saying he wanted 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 first responders working on the scene in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy."

The National Transportation Safety Board also said it is investigating this incident.

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Church Bus Crash Kills 12, Injures 3 in Texas Near Garner State Park

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.