The group, from Dallas, Texas, were driving before dawn down a dirt road in a sports utility vehicle on their way to visit family in Mexico for the Thanksgiving holiday when they tried to cross the bridge, which was being repaired.

The driver realised too late that the bridge did not span the Conchos River and the vehicle plunged upside down into the water.

Another SUV carrying more relatives and following behind was able to stop in time.

Its driver, Ubaldo Ortiz, said he and others were only able to save one of the vehicle's eight passengers. The rest drowned, including four children.