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13 Dead In Church Bus Crash Near San Antonio

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UVALDE COUNTY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Thirteen people were killed in a major crash near San Antonio Wednesday afternoon according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Preliminary information from the DPS indicated a Dodge PU Dully was traveling northbound on US 83 and the church bus was traveling southbound on US 83 just south of RR 1050.

Both vehicles collided head-on around 12:30 p.m.

Senior citizens from First Baptist Church New Braunfels were on their way back from a retreat.

There were 14 people on board according to the DPS.

First Baptist New Braunfels posted on its Facebook page it was aware of the crash and:

All activities for tonight are cancelled, including dinner. The Sanctuary will be open this evening for prayer and support. Please be in prayer for all involved.

Governor Greg Abbott released a statement on the tragedy:

Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those involved in today's tragic event. 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.

Senator Ted Cruz tweeted:

My prayers are with the families impacted by this tragic accident - especially for those who have lost loved ones.

The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office said the crash caused Highway 83 north to close near Garner State Park for hours.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to the crash scene.

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