2 killed in crash involving Megabus, 3 other vehicles on I-45 identified, DPS says

NEW WAVERLY, Texas – Two people were killed in a crash involving a Megabus in Walker County, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers said.

The accident involving multiple vehicles was reported just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on I-45 near FM 1375.

DPS troopers said they received several reports of a nothbound maroon Kia Sorento being driven recklessly on I-45.

Troopers said the driver of the Kia Sorento, identified as 29-year-old Nahum Ortez’ Mendoza, crossed over into the southbound lanes and struck a silver passenger vehicle. DPS troopers said the silver vehicle then struck the Megabus.

DPS troopers said the driver in the Kia Sorento was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said the driver in the silver vehicle, 51-year-old Praxedis Morales, from Alvin, was flown to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

"She was the hardest-working woman," said Francesca Morales, her eldest daughter.

Praxedis Morales was the mother of six. Her youngest child is an 8-years-old son, according to her family.

"She was always giving us advice about life and how to take it straight forward," said Jose Herrera, Morales' son.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs.

WATCH: Viewer video of deadly bus crash on I-45

Tuesday's crash impacted four vehicles. Jazmine Jones was hit as she drove her car, but was not hurt.

"I saw it come across the median," said Jones. "Next thing I know, I saw it go airborne and it hit the back of my car. It barely missed the driver's door. I'm blessed to make it out of it."

Sky 2 aerials showed the Kia overturned in the middle of the highway and a silver vehicle with its top nearly sheared off. The Megabus was on the shoulder of the road.

"I was on my iPad; I was doing my games and suddenly there was this loud bang," said Lauren Ramirez, a passenger on the bus.

Officials said several of the 75 passengers on the Megabus, which was traveling from Dallas to Houston, were taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

"The bus driver did a pretty good job at slowing the bus because we would have went in the ditch, and if we flipped there would have been much more injuries," said Vincent Tran, a passenger.

Sean Hughes, director of corporate affairs for Megabus.com North America, released a statement that read in part: "Safety is our top priority and Megabus.com is fully cooperating with the authorities with their investigation into the incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are involved."


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