Deadly Crash Involving 25 People Crammed Inside SUV Prompts Human Smuggling Investigation

The Investigation Into The Deadly California Crash That Left At Least 13 People Dead Is Being Conducted By Ice As A Human Smuggling Investigation.

According To U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement The Investigation Was Announced After Human Smugglers And 25 Illegal Immigrants Packed Inside An SUV. That SUV Was Then Hit By A Big Rig And The Passengers Were Thrown Out Of The Vehicle And Onto A Roadway Near The U.S. Mexico Border - This According To CBP

When Police Arrived Some Of The Passengers Were Trying To Crawl Out Of The SUV While Others Were Walking Around Nearby. Officials Said That The SUV - Which Normally Seats Eight - Had It's Back Seats Removed To Create More Space For Passengers.

12 People Were Announced Dead At The Scene, Another Person Died At A Local Hospital. Authorities Said The Remaining Eight Victims Who Suffered Injuries Were Taken To Local Hospitals.

The 28-year-old SUV Driver, From Mexicali, Mexico, Was Among Those Killed. The 68-year-old Driver Of The Big Rig, Who Is From Nearby El Centro, Was Hospitalized With Moderate Injuries.

According To Officials The People In The Vehicle Ranged From 15 To 53 Years Old.

Agents Also Said They Were Not Pursuing The SUV At The Time Of The Crash.