The Associated Press
ODESSA, Texas — A sheriff’s office says five people died after their pickup got stuck with its tailpipe submerged in a shallow pond in western Texas.
Ector County sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Gary Duesler said witnesses called 911 Sunday evening and had to smash a truck window before pulling unconscious victims from the truck.
With the truck’s tailpipe submerged, exhaust may have been vented into the cab. Duesler said it may have been 15 to 30 minutes before anyone realized the truck’s occupants needed help.
The victims were apparently “mudding,” where people try to drive through shallow pools created by heavy rainfall. They were at small horse racing track a few miles south of Odessa.
Autopsies were being conducted to determine cause of death.