A devastating bus accident in Florida resulted in at least eight fatalities and eight critically injured individuals early Tuesday morning, as reported by authorities.
The bus, transporting 53 workers to a watermelon farm, was traveling west on State Route 40 when it collided with a Ford Ranger traveling in the opposite direction. According to a witness, the Ford entered the westbound lane, leading to a collision described by the Florida Highway Patrol as a “sideswiped manner.”
The impact caused the bus to veer off the road, crashing into a fence and two trees before overturning. Among the occupants, eight lost their lives, with an additional eight in critical condition and ten sustaining serious injuries. Approximately 25 passengers suffered minor injuries, with around 40 individuals requiring hospitalization. The driver of the pickup truck was also hospitalized in serious condition.
Authorities cautioned that the number of fatalities may rise due to the severe injuries sustained by some of the bus occupants. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods expressed condolences, emphasizing the tragedy of the incident and the hardworking nature of those affected.
The passengers, employees of a private company, were en route to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, Florida, when the crash occurred. The owner of the company was among those injured and transported to a hospital. The bus involved was identified as a 2010 International Bus.
The crash prompted a temporary closure of part of the highway in Marion County. Investigations into the accident are ongoing, with authorities providing support, including Spanish language translation, to affected families and assisting in notifying victims’ relatives.