An attempted human smuggling operation ended with four dead and three more injured after the vehicle led officers on a high speed chase and smashed into the back of a tractor trailer. 

The incident happened on Thursday morning, June 30th in Encinal, Texas. 

According to LMT News, the suspected smugglers in a white Jeep led Border Patrol agents on a high speed chase on Interstate 35. The Jeep then tried to exit the interstate but lost control and slammed into the back of a stopped tractor trailer at Highway 44 and I-35. 

The crash killed four people and critically injured three more. An investigation is currently underway. At around 2 p.m. the Encinal Police Department warned drivers that there was “heavy Law Enforcement presence at the Loves’ Truck Stop due to a critical police incident…. Roadway will be blocked off for several hours, this is an active crime scene, please avoid the area for first responders.”

“Effective immediately and until further notice, the Interstate Highway 35 northbound exit ramp at mile marker 39 is closed due to a crash that occurred off the east frontage road in the I-35 east frontage road-State Highway 44 intersection in Encinal, Texas,” TxDOT said in a statement.

“The traveling public should anticipate detours and expect travel delays.”