12 killed in Texas church bus crash

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Thursday, March 30, 2017
RAW VIDEO: Deadly bus accident in central Texas
Aerial footage shows the scene of a deadly accident involving a church bus in central Texas.

CONCAN, Texas -- Twelve people were killed and three injured after a crash involving a church vehicle in central Texas, authorities have confirmed.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety, the church bus was traveling south on Highway 83 near Concan, Texas, when it was involved in a head-on collision with a Dodge pickup truck.

The bus was carrying 14 passengers, and only the driver was aboard the pickup truck.

The crash happened about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday outside Garner State Park, about 75 miles west of San Antonio.

Church officials tell ABC News the van was returning to New Braunfels, Texas, from a Baptist encampment near Lakey, Texas, where members were attending a Bible study.

In a statement, Texas Governor Greg Abbott extended condolences to the victims and their families.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and our hearts go out to all those affected," Abbott said. "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."

The church posted the following message to its Facebook page:

We have received word that the bus carrying our senior adults back from their retreat was involved in an accident. We understand there have been some fatalities, but we do not yet know who. All activities for tonight are cancelled. The Sanctuary will be open this evening for prayer and support. Please be in prayer for all involved.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.