3 die in US chase of SUV jammed with immigrants

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 9 (Reuters) Three people died and 14 were hurt today when a sport utility vehicle crammed with 21 people, most of them suspected illegal immigrants, crashed in Texas after a high-speed chase, police said.

The chase at speeds of 161 kph crossed two counties around San Antonio, 217 km north of the Mexican border, before the vehicle blew a tire and flipped, police said.

Of the 21 occupants, only four, including the driver, were unhurt.

The driver was arrested at the scene and will be charged with capital murder, which carries a possible death penalty under Texas law, San Antonio Police Sgt. Gabe Trevino said.

US immigration officials were helping police identify the driver and his passengers, most of whom lacked documents, officers said. Most were believed to be from Mexico.

Reuters SZ SBA VP0140