At Least 10 Dead After Texas Prison Bus Crashes Into Train – [Video]

Breaking News: A Texas prison bus reportedly crashed into a train Wednesday morning while transporting inmates, killing at least 10 and injuring five.

Officials investigate the scene of a prison transport bus crash in Penwell, Texas. Law enforcement officials said the bus carrying prisoners and corrections officers fell from an overpass in West Texas and crashed onto train tracks below, killing an unspecified number of people. (Photos Courtesy of NewsWest 9)

Texas Department of Criminal Justice: At least 10 people were killed Wednesday when a bus carrying state prisoners skidded off an icy highway overpass in West Texas, slid down an embankment and collided with a passing train, TDCJ confirmed that, about 7:30 a.m. this morning, a transport bus, traveling from the Middleton Unit in Abilene, to the Sanchez Unit in El Paso, left the roadway, near mile marker 100 on I-20 and collided with a Union Pacific train. Two correctional officers and eight offenders were killed. One staff member and four offenders were taken to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. The investigation into the accident is on going.

TDCJ officials issued this statement:
'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.' - Brad Livingston, Exec. Dir, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Representative Brooks Landgraf has released a statement:

'We are deeply saddened to learn of the deadly accident that occurred in Penwell this morning. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those in the traffic accident, first responders and medical professionals from Odessa and Monahans -- specifically the Ector County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Ector County Medical Examiner's office who are responding to this tragedy. We are working with local and state officials to determine the cause of the incident, the number of civilian, correctional, and inmate injuries and fatalities at this time. We will continue to keep you informed of ongoing developments.'

Here is the latest video from NewsWest 9: