3 die in chase of SUV jammed with immigrants

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) - Three people died and 14 were hurt on Monday 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 100 miles mph (161 kph) crossed two counties around San Antonio, 135 miles 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.

U.S. 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.