Accident in Wise County: 3 dead and 11 injured after minibus rolls over

ALVORD, Texas – Emergency crews are on the scene of a serious accident in Wise County that is being described as a “multiple injury accident.”

According to Wise County EMS, three people are dead, three others were flown to the hospital by helicopter and eight others were transported by ambulance.

The accident occurred near the northbound lanes of Highway 287, near the FM 1655 exit in Alvord.

At around 8:00 a.m., a minibus carrying 14 people entered the middle lane, over-steered and went off the road, rolling over several times, and several passengers were thrown out.

The driver was one of the three dead.

According to Wise County EMS, three of the injured patients are in critical condition, six have serious injuries and two have less serious injuries.

According to Texas DPS, only one person was wearing a seatbelt. That person was able to leave the scene of the accident and left on foot.

“Wearing your seatbelt saves your life,” said Texas DPS Lt. Tony De La Cerda. “We stress that you must wear it whether you're in the driver's seat, whether you're the co-pilot, whether you're in the back seat.”

Authorities said the van came from Florida, but they do not yet know where it was headed.

The ages of the people involved were not disclosed.

The road is expected to be closed for an extended period of time.

Please avoid the area.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to FOX 4 for more information.