Eight dead after suspected human smuggler passed semi in no passing zone, causing head-on crash

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) is investigating a multiple fatality collision that occurred when a suspected human smuggler passed a semi in no passing zone near Batesville on Wednesday.

The crash occurred at 6:30 a.m. on November 8 on U.S. 57 as a driver in a Honda passenger car from Houston suspected of human smuggling was attempting to evade the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office.

The Honda driver passed a tractor trailer in a no-passing zone, then collided head-on with a Chevy SUV, according to a TXDPS spokesperson.

The SUV caught fire following the crash. The driver and the passenger in the SUV, both from Georgia, died at the scene.

Six people inside the Honda, including the 21 year old suspected human smuggler, were also killed in the crash.

Police have identified some of the deceased as residents of Honduras.

The crash is under investigation.