United States: 10 dead in road accident near Mexican border

At least ten people died in Texas, near the border with Mexico, in the crash of a van carrying around 30 people who could be illegal migrants, local authorities said Wednesday.

Texan authorities have said they are investigating a “major accident” near the town of Falfurrias, a few kilometers from the border with Mexico. A Ford pickup truck was speeding north on a freeway when it skidded, hitting a metal utility pole and traffic sign, according to a witness.

“The driver and nine passengers died at the scene of the accident,” said the Texan authorities. According to a local official, around 30 people were in the vehicle.

The use of overloaded vehicles is characteristic of the modus operandi of migrant smugglers at the border between the two countries.

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In March, an alleged smuggler was charged after 13 people died in the collision between a heavy truck and a crowded vehicle in southern California.