AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas prison bus carrying 15 people skidded off an icy overpass and hit a freight train on Wednesday, leaving at least 10 people dead and five others injured, officials said.
Two correctional officers and eight inmates died from injuries sustained in the accident near the west Texas city of Odessa, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said.
"It's with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of those killed and injured this morning in a tragic accident. Their loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers," said Brad Livingston, executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The bus was traveling from Abilene to El Paso with 12 inmates and three corrections officers aboard.
Four of the crash victims were in critical condition and the other was in serious condition, Medical Center Hospital in Odessa said.
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Railroad company Union Pacific said the transport bus plunged from the elevated roadaway and into one of its freight trains, causing damage to two cars. The two crew members aboard the train did not suffer serious injuries.
"Our sympathies go out to all the victims involved," spokesman Jeff DeGraff said.
The identities of those on the transport bus have not been released.
"It is horrible," said Leland Maples, of Loved Ones of Prisoners, a group that works with prisoners and their families.
