DENTON (1080 KRLD)- The Texas Department of Public Safety says two children were killed this weekend when they were riding on a backhoe on a private road in southern Denton County. Investigators say a total of four kids and two adults had climbed on "various moving parts" of the machine.
DPS says Vijender Chauhan, 40, was driving the backhoe. Investigators say he flipped a switch to cause the front bucket to dump.
Two children, an 11 year old boy and 7 year old girl, were riding in the bucket, and DPS says those kids were thrown to the ground. The backhoe ran over them both. The children died at the scene.
The other adult and two other kids were taken to the hospital. Chauhan was not hurt.
Chauhan was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter, three counts of child endangerment and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. Denton County jail records show he has posted bond.
DPS has not confirmed the relationship between Chauhan and the two kids who died. The children attended Trinity Valley School in Southwest Fort Worth.
The school sent a letter to parents saying counselors met with students Tuesday, and teachers, coaches and staff would continue working with students to help them "navigate their grief or to find solace in play or routine."
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