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Six illegal immigrants killed near Falfurrias checkpoint
Thursday, January 26, 2006 Updated: 06:23 PM


Six dead and eight injured after severe traffic accident

FALFURRIAS – Six illegals are dead and eight others are injured after the pickup they were in slammed into an 18-wheeler. The accident happened north of Falfurrias.

There was also an SUV near the crash believed to be full of illegals. Many of them took off on foot. DPS Trooper Bryan Rippee said, “They bailed out into the field. If you’ve noticed a Border Patrol chopper, several officers are out there. Obviously we want to talk to them. On the DPS side, because they’re potentially involved in the accident and are witnesses.�

Border Patrol spokesman Roy Cervantes tells NEWSCHANNEL 5, “It’s suspected this is a smuggling case, but it’s under investigation. I can’t comment on the occupants in the truck.�

We’re told ICE will be looking into the investigation as well. They are trying to identify the victims. The Mexican Consulate has been notified.

DPS spearheaded the investigation. They talked to the driver of the 18-wheeler and recovered evidence. They haven’t ruled on who is at fault yet. We’re told the two vehicles carrying illegals were going east on FM 405 before sunrise Thursday. There was a white Expedition followed closely b y a Ford F150. When the Expedition reached the intersection of FM 405 and 281, the driver crossed 281 and went into a brushy area. The driver of the 18-wheeler swerved to keep from hitting the Expedition, but plowed into the Ford F150 that was right behind it. The 18-wheeler jack-knifed and landed on its side.