Seven people died and at least six were injured after being hit by a vehicle while waiting at a bus stop in Brownsville, Texas this Sunday, police said.
Brownsville Police Department detective Martin Sandoval said the accident happened around 8:30 a.m. local time (2:30 p.m. in Lisbon) at a bus stop near an immigrant shelter in the border town.
Martin Sandoval added that the driver of the vehicle has been arrested, is receiving medical attention and will be charged with dangerous driving, regardless of any other charges that may arise from the ongoing investigations.
The investigation will determine whether it was an accident or an intentional act, Sandoval stressed.
Break out #brownsville – Driver encounters group of migrants outside Ozanam Center
7 dead, 4-6 more seriously injured, are treated in hospital
Driver is being treated but in police custody
No motive yet, but drug and alcohol tests are underway
Evelyn Castellano & Izzy Alfaro pic.twitter.com/jJw9xf3VYW– Mireya Villarreal (@ABCMireya) May 7, 2023
According to witnesses, it appears that “the driver lost control of the vehicle. Whether it was an accident or intentional, that is still under investigation,” he said.
The news comes as authorities prepare to lift, on Thursday, a health measure allowing the immediate deportation of immigrants known as Title 42.
With the end of this provision, authorities fear an increase in illegal entries into the US.
The homeless shelters where the incident took place are taking in migrants because of the “current influx,” Sandoval said.
Source: DN
