10 killed in reported migrant van crash in Texas

An overcrowded van carrying 30 people, many of them believed to be illegal immigrants, crashed in southern Texas on Wednesday, killing 10 and injuring many others, according to police.

Local officials said around 4pm local time, the van veered off Highway 281 in Encino, Texas, about 50 miles north of McAllen.

It apparently struck a metal pole, killing the driver and nine passengers on impact.

The remaining 20 passengers were taken to local hospitals, where some of them were listed in critical condition.

The crash took place just miles away from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint, and officials said that the passengers appeared to be illegal immigrants.

Officials added that the van did not have seats or passenger restraints and was crammed with twice the number of people it was designed to accommodate.

Texas authorities are working with the Mexican consulate to identify the victims, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating.