Seven Mexican nationals killed in a Mississippi bus crash over the weekend were identified Monday, including a 16-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother, authorities said.
The names were released to ABC News by Warren County Coroner Doug L. Huskey a day after the National Transportation Safety Board announced that the preliminary investigation showed a tire failure caused the motor coach to run off the road and overturn.
Huskey identified those killed in the crash as 8-year-old Kain Gutierrez and his 16-year-old sister, Perla Gutierrez. Another 16-year-old girl who died was identified as Angelica Palomino, according to Huskey.
First responders are shown at the scene of a bus crash in Warren County, Mississippi, on Aug. 31, 2024.
WAPT via AP
Also killed were Miguel Ariaga, 61; Elia Guzman, 63; and Victor Aviles Garcia, 32, and his 30-year-old brother, Moises Aviles Garcia, according to Huskey.
Huskey said that due to a language barrier, Kain Gutierrez was initially identified as 6 years old.
First responders are shown at the scene of a bus crash in Warren County, Mississippi, on Aug. 31, 2024.
WAPT via AP
The crash happened early Saturday, east of Vicksburg, and left 37 other people injured, according to the highway patrol.
The 2018 Volvo commercial passenger bus, traveling from Atlanta to Dallas, was driving westbound on Interstate 20 when it drove off the road Saturday just before 1 a.m. local time, according to the highway patrol.
In this screen grab from a video, a bus is shown after it crashed in Warren County, Mississippi, on Aug. 31, 2024.
WAPT
Six people were pronounced dead at the scene and one person died at Merit Heath Hospital in Vicksburg, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The co-driver was not transported to a hospital, authorities said.
The Mexican consulate said in its statement that it has contacted a legal firm to help obtain detailed information about the crash.
On the morning of October 31st, tragedy struck in Mississippi as a bus carrying a group of individuals crashed, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The identities of those who lost their lives have since been released, shedding light on the lives that were lost in this devastating accident.
Among the victims were four members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, including two children. The tribe identified the deceased as 52-year-old Joe Dale Walker, 50-year-old Cindy Smith, 9-year-old Kyla Jade Hargrove, and 7-year-old Kaleb Hargrove. The community mourns the loss of these individuals, who were beloved members of their tribe.
Additionally, three other individuals were also killed in the crash. They were identified as 57-year-old Betty Russell, 61-year-old Phyllis Barker, and 59-year-old Betty Wright. These individuals were part of a group traveling together on the bus when the accident occurred.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred on Highway 90 near Biloxi. The bus was reportedly traveling from Austin, Texas to Biloxi when it crashed into a median and overturned. The driver of the bus survived the crash and is cooperating with authorities in their investigation.
As news of the crash spread, condolences poured in from across the country for the families and loved ones of the victims. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians issued a statement expressing their grief and offering support to the families affected by the tragedy.
The identification of the seven individuals killed in the Mississippi bus crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. As the community mourns their loss, we must also come together to support one another during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
