Willie Nelson's Band Tour Bus Crashes

The Texas Department of Public safety said Nelson was not on board the bus

Freezing rain and cold, wet weather contributed to several traffic accidents Saturday, including a tour bus hauling singer Willie Nelson's band, during wintry conditions in parts of Texas.

Three members of Nelson's band were hurt around 3:30 a.m. CT Saturday when their bus hit a bridge pillar on Interstate 30 near Sulphur Springs during rainy conditions, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Nelson was not onboard, according to Trooper Sylvia Jennings.

Elaine Schock, a spokeswoman for Nelson, said no one suffered serious injuries. Paul English broke his ankle and his brother, Billy English, suffered a bruised hip, according to Schock. Tom Hawkin has a cracked or bruised rib, she said.

Seven people were on the bus, including the driver, Jennings said.

"The bus was traveling west. The roads are wet. It's been raining in this area," Jennings said.

The bus driver was also dealing with high winds when he veered off a road and hit a bridge pillar, Jennings said. The driver was not hurt.

The bridge sustained minor damage. Traffic was briefly diverted from the accident site about 75 miles northeast of Dallas.

Nelson had played a concert at Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla., Friday night.

Nelson's last four tour dates in November have been postponed, in Robinsonville and Jackson, Miss; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Lafayette, La. Nelson's tour resumes in December, Schock said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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