5 teens die struck by gunmen fleeing Mexican army

12/18/2013

MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities say five teenage students were killed when they were run over by armed men trying to escape from soldiers in a northern border city.

Tamaulipas state prosecutors say the students were waiting for a bus to take them home after class today in Reynosa, a city across from McAllen, Texas. Their ages ranged between 13 and 15.

Two armed men were being chased by soldiers when they lost control of their pick-up truck, skidding and striking the students on the side of the road. They also hit two cars parked outside the school, injuring a woman and her 5-year-old daughter. The men fled.

Tamaulipas has been the scene of fighting between the Zetas and the Gulf drug cartels. Soldiers and marines have taken over regular police duties.