CALEXICO, Calif.
The Ford Expedition carrying 25 people that was struck by a big rig Tuesday morning, killing 13, had crossed from Mexico after breaching a section of the border fence, federal officials said Wednesday.
Surveillance footage captured the Expedition and another SUV driving through a 10-foot gap in the metal fence near the Gordon’s Well exit, just off Interstate 8, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman said.
Both vehicles were later involved in separate traffic accidents, including the fatal crash on State Highway 115 and Norrish Road in Holtville.
California Highway Patrol Chief Omar Watson said several of the 25 people crammed into the Ford Expedition were ejected into the road. Twelve died at the scene, and another person died a short time later, he said.