A Texas Department of Criminal Justice transfer bus heading across rural Limestone County flipped on its side this morning, shutting down a stretch of State Highway 164 east of Groesbeck and sending several people to local hospitals. Authorities said everyone on board had been located and there was no threat to the surrounding community.
Where the crash happened
According to FOX4 Dallas-Fort Worth, the single-vehicle wreck happened just east of FM 3371 on State Highway 164, about 40 miles east of Waco. Groesbeck police labeled it a “major” incident, and both directions of SH 164 were shut down while first responders worked the scene and crews moved to clear the roadway.
Who was on board and injuries
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice told KXXV the bus was carrying 26 inmates and three TDCJ staff members, all en route to the Gurney Unit in Palestine. Five inmates and one staffer were taken to area hospitals, and TDCJ said none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
What officials said
Groesbeck Police Chief Chris Henson wrote in a Facebook post that “All occupants are accounted for and there is NO threat to the public,” according to FOX4. Officials asked drivers to steer clear of that stretch of highway while emergency crews remained on scene.
Investigation and context
The cause of the crash has not yet been released. The Texas Department of Public Safety had crews heading to the site of the wreck, KXXV reported. The Gurney Unit serves as a transfer and intake facility for several East Texas prisons, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s annual review at Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
