13 dead in Mexico bus crash that departed from McAllen, headed to Durango

DURANGO, Mexico (ValleyCentral) — Thirteen people have been confirmed dead in a passenger bus crash that left from McAllen and was bound for Durango, Mexico.

According to the Lerdo Fire Department, the crash involved the passenger bus and a tractor-trailer traveling near Velardeña on the León Guzmán-Cuencame highway.

Authorities say the passenger bus was carrying 24 people. Of those, 12 were able to escape.

Another 13 people were burned to death inside the bus when it caught on fire, including the tractor-trailer driver.

Photo Courtesy of the Lerdo Fire Department

Ten of the survivors of the crash have been named by the Fire Department as:

• Jaime Luis Sanchez
• Mariel Luna
• Luis Vasquez Melendez
• Luis Vasquez Espino
• Graciela Arcineaga
• Maricela Valenzuela
• Brenda Yanaly Mendoza
• Margarita Castillo
• Perla Blancarte
• David Solis

It is still unclear if any of the passengers on board the bus were from the Rio Grande Valley.

ASER Tours, the company which owned the bus, posted a statement citing that the accident was caused by maneuvers performed by the other vehicle involved due to mechanical failures. The company indicates that the crash transpired on Monday.

"However, we will await the final ruling from the State Attorney General's Office and the competent authorities, whom we thank for their collaboration and support," ASER Tours stated.

According to the release, ASER Tours is stating that all of its travelers are ensured and that their insurance company is working to provide assistance to those affected and their families.

Due to the magnitude of the accident, the company says it needs more time to investigate the fatal crash.