Texas bus crash: Eight people killed as casino coach crashes near Laredo

Vehicle overturned after driver apparently lost control, officials believe

Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott (Getty)

Eight people have been killed and 44 injured after a coach heading to a casino crashed in Texas.

The bus was travelling on Highway 83 when it crashed and overturned, local media reported. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Seven people died at the scene, just under 50 miles from Laredo, and another died in hospital later.

Trooper Conrad Hein, of Texas Department of Public Safety said: “The driver of the bus lost control and rolled over. Everything's real preliminary right now.

“Our troopers are going to look into what happened, but it's going to take us some time.”

Rain had affected the area when the crash happened, Trooper Hein said, but it remains unclear whether it was a factor in the crash on Saturday.

The coach was carrying 51 passengers, and the driver was among the survivors.

According to the Laredo Morning Times, it had been travelling to a casino in Eagle Pass, 125 miles north-west of Laredo.

The Governor of Texas, Gregg Abbott, and his wife issued a statement expressing his condolences.

“Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the tragic accident in South Texas," the statement said.

"I ask the entire State of Texas to keep the families of loved ones lost today, as well as the Webb County community, in its thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."