8 killed in crash of bus headed to Texas casino

LAREDO, Texas -- An official says eight people have been killed and some 40 injured in a charter bus crash in far South Texas.

Webb County spokesman Larry Sanchez tells the Laredo Morning Times seven people died at the scene on U.S. Highway 83 north of Laredo. An eighth person died later at a hospital.

Webb County Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ricardo Rangel says the bus, identified as belonging to OGA Charters, originated in the Rio Grande Valley and was headed to a casino in Eagle Pass, about 125 miles northwest of Laredo. The bus company is based in San Juan in Hidalgo County.

The fire department described it as a one-vehicle rollover. Firefighters received the call late Saturday morning. By late afternoon, the highway at the scene remained closed.