District officials said two high school seniors were killed and two others were injured after a rollover accident occurred during a graduation rehearsal.
The students, whose names were not released, were returning to WB Ray High School in Corpus Christi early Tuesday after rehearsals at the American Bank Center, according to the Corpus Christi Independent School District.
Police responded to the wreck around 11:30 a.m. and found four male victims in a white two-door car slamming onto its roof, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports.
Police told KRIS-TV that two 18-year-old victims were declared brought dead on the spot, while two injured students were taken to hospital for treatment.
A police spokesman told the police that detectives believe speed was a factor in the accident, which is under investigation.
The deadly debris arrived just days before the high school’s graduation ceremony on Friday.
“In keeping with CCISD’s tradition of honoring deceased students, chairs will be reserved in honor of the late Texan,” district officials said in a statement.
Counselors were provided for students and staff after the fatal accident.
“Our Texan community is devastated by this loss of our graduating seniors,” said Principal Roxanna Cuevas. “Our condolences to all the loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
District officials said the names of all four students, as well as the condition of the two injured teenagers, were being kept “out of respect” for the privacy of the families.
When the car crashed, the parents of a teenager said that their son survived as he was wearing a seatbelt, KRIS-TV reported.
“He’s gotten pretty bad, but he’s doing fine to health,” Johnny Morgan told the station. “But unfortunately, he’s barely taking the news about his other friends.”
Mayor Paulette Guajardo said a candlelight prayer would be held for teenagers on Thursday at a heritage park in Corpus Christi.
“I’m Heartbroken,” Guajardo tweeted late Tuesday. “May God bless the families, teachers, staff and their classmates in this time of sorrow.”
