Mass funerals held for bus crash victims

HOUSTON Mourners spilled out of the front doors at Our Lady of Lavang Catholic Church. Inside there wasn't a spare seat. Up front six draped caskets sat side by side along with photographs of the victims. Their family members identified by the white head bands. There were dozens. It's been a long, emotional week.

"It's a bad week for everybody," said one mourner.

Another added, "Very hard week, prayed all week."

Hundreds filled the church to say goodbye to the six church members who ranged in age from 26 to 84. All were passengers on a charter bus, on their way to a church festival in Missouri when it crashed in Sherman eight days ago. Not one of the 55 people onboard escaped injury. Seventeen died.

"It's hard but these people were going to do something they believe in," said mourner Amy Nong.

Across town at Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, there was more pain. Yet another funeral -- this one for five who were killed. The deaths have rocked the Vietnamese Catholic community. For those families affected, perhaps made easier only by their faith and such an outpouring of support.

Relative Steve Sou said, "It's difficult but like you see, there's so much support. Everybody know these people are resting in peace."

A total of 14 people from three Houston churches were laid to rest but there's fear there could be more. More than a dozen people remain in hospitals in north Texas, six still in critical condition.

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