Investigators are sorting out the details of what led to a fiery West Texas crash last week that left nine individuals of the University of Southwest’s golf team dead. The focus of the investigation has largely been on the 13-year-old child who is believed to have been behind the wheel.

The child, who has not been named, is believed to have been driving the 2007 Dodge 2500 pickup truck when the truck’s front left spare tire blew out before the impact. Investigators believe that the blown tire may have been the reason the truck crossed over into the opposite lane where it struck the 2017 Ford Transit Van. Officials believe that both vehicles were moving at the posted speed of 75 MPH.

As a result of the head-on fiery collision, nine individuals died including the 13-year-old driver and passenger Henrich Siemens, 38 of Seminole County, Texas. It’s not clear how the child and adult were related.

The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the victims of the other vehicle who died as: golf coach Tyler James, 26, of Hobbs, New Mexico; and players Mauricio Sanchez, 19, of Mexico; Travis Garcia, 19, of Pleasanton, Texas; Jackson Zinn, 22, of Westminster, Colorado; Karisa Raines, 21, of Fort Stockton, Texas; Laci Stone, 18, of Nocona, Texas; and Tiago Sousa, 18, of Portugal.

Canadian students Dayton Price, 19, of Mississauga, Ontario, and Hayden Underhill, 20, of Amherstview, Ontario, were also in the passenger van. These students survived but suffered critical injuries. Both were transported via helicopter to nearby Lubbock. Later reports detailed that both students were stabilized and recovering.

Authorities later detailed that a majority of the individuals in the passenger van were not wearing their seatbelts. At least one individual was ejected as a result of the crash.

The shocking circumstances of the case have gripped the nation, especially considering the driver is believed to be a 13-year-old child. However, officials detail that it is not uncommon for young drivers to operate a vehicle in rural parts of the nation, including Texas.

In Texas, students can begin taking classroom courses for operating motor vehicles and obtaining a learner’s permit once they turn 14. An individual must be 15 years of age in order to receive a provisional license which would allow them to drive with an instructor or a licensed adult.

However, following the announcement of the horrific crash, The Department of Public Safety Sgt. Victor Taylor shared that a 13-year-old would be breaking the law if they were behind the wheel regardless of whether or not an instructor or driver is alongside them.

The University’s vice president for financial services, Paula Smith, shared Thursday, “Our institution is crushed and broken but strong.”