AMARILLO, Texas — Authorities say alcohol is suspected as a factor in the deaths of five members of a popular summer musical production who have been killed in a Texas Panhandle auto accident.
Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Christopher Ray says members of the cast of "Texas," performed at Palo Duro Canyon State Park south of Amarillo, were returning from an end-of-the-year party Monday night when the accident occurred.
Their vehicle was attempting to turn onto U.S. 287 near Dumas (DOO'-mus), about 40 miles north of Amarillo, when it pulled in front of a big rig.
Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation Executive Director Kris Miller says four of the dead were dancers and that the fifth worked in the box office. He says a sixth member was injured and is in surgery.
