Sabine Pass crash: At least 4 people killed after van crashes into Hotard bus on Highway 87

HOUSTON - At least four people are dead and more are in the hospital following a crash between three vehicles in Sabine Pass, officials said. 

At least 4 killed in crash in Sabine Pass

The backstory:

Authorities said the crash occurred just before 4 p.m. Monday on Highway 87 in Sabine Pass. 

According to DPS officials, the crash involved a Hotard bus, a van, and an Audi passenger car. 

Officials said a preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet passenger van was traveling northwest while an empty Prevost passenger bus was traveling southeast followed by an Audi passenger car. 

Photo from the scene (Source: Bart Masters/ 1813 NEWS)

Authorities said it was reported the van crossed over into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. 

After the impact, officials said the van entered a ditch and the Audi struck the rear of the bus. 

The driver of the van, identified as a 28-year-old man from Baytown and three others in the van were pronounced dead on the scene. 

Five other people in the van were taken to various hospitals for treatment. Two were last reported to be critical, one was treated and released, and two others' injuries remain unknown.

The driver of the Prevost bus and the Audi were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. 

Dig deeper:

On Tuesday, Texas DPS identified the van driver who died as 28-year-old Cesar Rojas of Baytown. The three van passengers who died were identified as 27-year-old Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 28-year-old Angel Dominguez, and 27-year-old Osvaldo Alvarez.

What they're saying:

FOX 26 has received a statement from LNG regarding the crash saying, "We are aware that just after 4 p.m. today, a fatal traffic incident occurred just outside our facility involving an empty passenger bus contracted to our EPC contractor and two other vehicles. Details about the incident remain under investigation and we remain on standby to assist with the investigation as needed. Our thoughts are with the families and those impacted by this tragic incident today."