Death toll increases in South Texas charter bus crash
LAREDO, Texas -- Officials say a ninth person has died after being injured in the crash of a charter bus in South Texas last weekend.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Johnny Hernandez says 83-year-old Atanacio Almendares Trejo of Weslaco died Friday at a hospital from injuries sustained the crash.
The Texas agency and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the May 14 crash on a rain-slicked highway north of Laredo. Seven people died at the scene. One died at the hospital the day of the crash.
CBS San Antonio affiliate KENS-TV reports 44 people were injured and taken to hospitals in Laredo, Dimmitt County and San Antonio. Five of them are still being treated with three said to be in serious condition.
The bus was headed to a casino in Eagle Pass, about 125 miles northwest of Laredo. No other vehicles were involved.
The 29-year-old bus driver was injured. He's been released from a hospital.
Officials have said only the first row of bus had seat belts.