ZAVALA COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating after eight people were killed in a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Highway 57 near Batesville.
DPS says a driver in a Honda coming from Houston was suspected of human smuggling.
The Honda driver was evading arrest from the Zavala County Sherriff's Office when the driver passed an 18-wheeler in a no-passing zone, authorities say.
The driver then drove head-on into a Chevy SUV, causing the SUV to burst into flames, killing the driver and passenger who were from Georgia, DPS says.
DPS has identified 67-year-old Jose Lerma, 65-year-old Isabel Lerma of Georgia as occupants of the Chevy SUV.
Authorities say five passengers in the Honda, including the suspected smuggler were killed. A total of eight people were killed in the crash.
According to DPS the driver of the white Honda has been identified as 17-year-old Luiz Alfredo Mencias-Escobar.
DPS confirmed several of the deceased are from Honduras.
Identities will be released once the next of kin is notified, authorities say.
U.S. Highway 57 was closed for a few hours and was reopened around 11:30 a.m., authorities say.
DPS says this is an ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, a verified GoFundMe has been set up for funeral expenses for Isabel and Jose Lerma. Click here for that GoFundMe.
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