Two High School Students Killed in Car Wreck

Lockhart High School students killed in collision


A three-vehicle crash on Texas 21 near U.S. 183 on Wednesday night killed two Lockhart High School girls and injured a third, Mustang Ridge police and Department of Public Safety officials said today.

Cousins Bernice Castelan, 17, of Lockhart, and Zared Castelan, 16, of Dale, died when an 18-wheeler jackknifed and struck their car and another van about 6:45 p.m., Mustang Ridge Police Sgt. J. Bennett said Friday.

Bernice’s sister Deimie Castelan, 17, of Lockhart, was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge in critical condition but was reported to be in fair condition this afternoon, officials said.

The driver of the Volvo tractor trailer, Francisco Ponce, 42 of Laredo, was treated for minor injuries at Brackenridge and released. Patty Patrick, 56, of Cibolo, the driver of the van, was treated for injuries and released, Bennett said.

Bennett said wet conditions might have been aided in the crash. No charges have been filed, he said.

An accident reconstruction team from the Department of Public Safety is assisting Bennett in the investigation, he said.

Counselors were available at the school today for grief counseling, a school official said.