Several members of the a legendary Mexico-based band are recovering in area hospitals after their tour was involved in a rollover accident Friday morning in South Bexar County.
DPS officers said at around 8 am. Friday a 23-year-old woman heading northbound on Hwy. 123 crossed over the center line into on-coming traffic and hit the front end of the Banda el Recodo's tour bus.
The bus veered out of control, down a steep embankment and rolled over onto its side, trapping several band members inside.
There were 21 people on board the bus when it rolled over in the town of Cestohowa, just north of Karnes City.
Two buses carried Banda el Recodo as it was coming from Dallas after their Thursday night performance. They were on their way to their Friday night gig in McAllen when one bus was hit.
Banda el Recodo has sixteen members, mainly playing horns and trumpets. There were two buses traveling together.
Authorities say the 23-year-old driver from Seguin had minor scratches, but several band members were more seriously injured and had to be transported to a San Antonio hospital for treatment.
"On the bus we had three injuries that required people to be AirLifted," said Trooper Gerald Bryant. "They went to University Hospital in San Antonio. It was where the injuries seemed to be non life-threatening, but incapacitating-type injuries."
Troopers said at this point, they don't think alcohol was a factor in the accident.
The band announced on its Twitter account that everyone was OK. The message, originally written in Spanish, translates to the following:
"Thanks to all the people who have been worried about the accident we had overnight. Thankfully, we are all OK. Only a couple of fractures and bruises. We ask for your prayers for a speedy recovery."
After seeing all the damage from the accident, one trooper said these band members are lucky to even be alive.
"The show must go on," said one musician.
