NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas -- Authorities are investigating a fatal crash involving a church bus and a pickup truck that killed 13 people and injured two others.
MORE | New Braunfels Community Mourns Church Members Killed in Deadly Bus Crash
The incident occurred on Highway 83 near Garner State Park Wednesday afternoon.
The bus was carrying senior adults from the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels back from a 3-day retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment.
The pastor of the church, Brad McLean, said the hardest part for now is not even knowing the identities of the crash victims.
"Their families are going to be hurting. And our church family is going to be hurting. At the moment, not having all of the information may be the most difficult part. I know that it is difficult for loved ones gathered inside waiting to hear something," said McLean.
Sgt. Conrad Hein of the Texas Department of Public Safety reports the van was carrying 14 people when it collided with the truck, which only had the driver inside.
For members of First Baptist, news of the horrific crash was hard to process.
“Shock, just shock. I was saying to my husband, it just feels like sometimes you watch it on the news and it’s just the news. But now it’s here, it’s home, its here," said Nancy Lacey, FBC member.
All evening church activities have been cancelled and church leaders said counselors will be on hand at the church tomorrow.
Earlier this evening, members of what appeared to be a youth group at St Paul Lutheran across the street from FBC sat in the lawn of the church huddled in prayer, many of the young teens hugging and crying together.
Governor Abbott Tweeted a statement expressing his condolonces:
Stay with Spectrum News for updates on this developing story.