Two inmates being transported to Texas were killed Wednesday when a prisoner transport vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler on Interstate 10 in Hancock County near the Louisiana line.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which occurred about 3 a.m. Other details of the accident have not been released.

The Sea Coast Echo reports that the transport vehicle belonged to U.S. Extradition Services Inc. of Stockton, Calif. The newspaper says the company declined to comment when contacted early Wednesday.

Three other people were taken to Gulfport Memorial Hospital, where their conditions were not immediately known.

County Coroner Norma Stiglet says two inmates were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Highway Patrol says the accident closed the westbound lane of Interstate 10 for about an hour.