2 dead after vehicle plunges into canal during DPS pursuit

EDCOUCH, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two people died by drowning after a vehicle suspected of human smuggling plunged into a canal in Edcouch.

As previously reported, the vehicle crashed into the canal Friday morning following a pursuit with law enforcement.

Lt. Christopher Olivarez with the Texas Department of Public Safety says seven people occupied the vehicle.

DPS recovered the vehicle from the canal on Saturday where one man was found dead.

Photo courtesy of DPS

Photo courtesy of DPS

An adult woman was also recovered and pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, a 26-year-old immigrant from Mexico, was arrested by DPS and turned over to Border Patrol. He is facing federal criminal charges.

Four passengers, not including the driver, survived the crash.

It is unknown if the other passengers will face any charges.