Twelve people were ejected from this vehicle in which one died in La Joya on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Courtesy Photo)
One person was killed in a crash Wednesday in which 12 people were ejected from a vehicle as they evaded authorities, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
The pursuit started when law enforcement noticed the driver of a Ford F-150 pick-up truck running a red light and speeding, according to DPS Lt. Christopher Olivarez.
All 12 people onboard the truck were men. Olivarez said they believe some of them were traveling in the truck and some on the bed of the truck.
DPS Sgt. Maria Montalvo said the driver traveled westbound on Farm-to-Market 107. Instead of stopping, the chase continued until the driver of the Ford lost control of the vehicle on Jara Chinas Road in La Joya, causing all 12 occupants to be ejected from the vehicle, Montalvo said.
“We had one confirmed dead on scene and all the other 11 occupants were transported to local hospitals with major injuries,” Montalvo said.
The man who died was traveling inside the truck.
The other men were sent to the hospital in critical condition. Names and nationalities will not be released until the family and consulates are notified.
The incident is a suspected human smuggling attempt, and the driver will later be charged.
