9 killed in head-on collision involving University of the Southwest golf team van, truck

Nine people were killed, including six students from the University of the Southwest who were returning from a golf tournament in Midland, Texas.

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Police said a pickup truck crossed the centerline of a highway Tuesday night and crashed head-on into a passenger van carrying members of both the men’s and women’s golf teams, KWES reported.

Both vehicles burst into flames.

The driver of the pickup and a passenger in the vehicle were both killed, as were six students and a coach, The Associated Press reported.

Two students were flown to a hospital in Lubbock and were listed in critical condition.

“All of the players and their coaches from the participating schools met together early this morning,” Midland College Athletic Director Forrest Allen told KWES. “We were all shocked to learn of this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with USW as they grieve this terrible loss. I have talked with USW’s Athletic Director Steve Appel to let him know that all Midland College athletic team players and coaches are ready to help in any way during this time.”

The president of the University of the Southwest Quint Thurman told NBC News, “We are still learning the details about the accident but we are devastated and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of our students’ lives and their coach.”

“We would ask for prayers for their recovery and for comfort and strength for all of families and friends and students of those whose lives have been lost,” Thurman added.

The University of the Southwest is a private, Christian college in Hobbs, New Mexico, the AP reported.

The investigation is ongoing, the AP reported.

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