Two women and three girls were killed in a two-vehicle crash roughly two miles south of Clifton in Bosque County Monday morning, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS Sgt. Dave Roberts said a 1999 Nissan minivan tried to make a U-turn and drove into the path of an oncoming Ford pickup truck on Highway 6 just before 7:30 a.m. He said two adult women and three girls lost their lives. The pickup truck driver was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Roberts said the five deceased victims were the only people in the minivan. He identified the driver as Janith Murphree, 48, and the only adult passenger as Lavira Hallmark, 66. The girls were identified as Rachel Hallmark, 13, Brianna Hallmark, 9 and Jalyn Murphree, 8. All five of the victims were from Clifton.
School officials confirmed the three children were students at Valley Mills ISD.
"Valley Mills ISD is deeply saddened by the loss of three of our students," Valley Mills Elementary School wrote on Facebook. "We are currently providing support for our students and staff, and will continue to keep all affected families in our thoughts and prayers."
The 39-year-old driver of the pickup truck was also from Clifton. He was transported to Goodall Witcher Hospital, where he was treated for "non-incapacitating injuries," according to Roberts.
A portion of Highway 6 remained closed until noon Monday, while troopers conducted an investigation. The highway has since reopened.
Roberts said no charges were being filed as a result of the crash.
"DPS would like to remind motorists to always check thoroughly for oncoming vehicles when making any turning movements or attempting to cross a highway," Roberts said.