The van was carrying the assisted living center patients to Tomball for treatment when the accident happened.

The van driver lost control after apparently having a blowout on Hwy. 249 near Gessner.

Three passengers died at the scene and two died later at area hospitals.

The victims include: 56-year old Early Middleton; 56-year-old John Elrod; 67-year-old Carolyn Littell; 72-year-old Clarence Green.

The name of a 69-year-old woman who died has not been released.

The van driver and sixth passenger survived.