The Latest: SUV in fatal Texas crash suspected of smuggling

BIG WELLS, Texas – The Latest on the fatal SUV crash in South Texas (all times local):

7:10 p.m.

The U.S. Border Patrol says the SUV that crashed, killing at least five people, was being chased by an agent who suspected it was part of a “smuggling event.”

The Border Patrol said in a statement Sunday night that the agent noticed three vehicles travelling in tandem around 11 a.m. Sunday. The agent stopped one vehicle and another agent stopped the other. Multiple arrests were made from both vehicles.

The third vehicle — the SUV — kept going, and a sheriff’s deputy joined the chase before the fatal crash.

Authorities say most of the 14 occupants of the SUV were thrown from the vehicle. Many were believed to be living in the country illegally. The sheriff says a driver and passenger who are believed to be U.S. citizens were arrested.

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4:35 p.m.

At least five people are dead and several others hurt as an SUV carrying more than a dozen people crashed while fleeing from Border Patrol agents in South Texas.

Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd says the SUV went out of control at more than 100 mph and overturned on Texas Highway 85, ejecting those inside.

Texas Department of Public Safety officials say four were pronounced dead at the scene midday Sunday. A fifth person died at a hospital.

Most of the occupants were believed to be living in the country without legal permission. Boyd tells San Antonio television station WOAI a driver and one passenger are believed to be U.S. citizens. Both are in custody.

Some injured were taken by helicopter to San Antonio, about 90 miles (144.83 kilometres) northeast.