eight people lost their lives, and another eight were critically injured when a bus carrying farm workers crashed and overturned in north central Florida. The accident, which occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. on State Road 40, about 45 miles south of Gainesville, involved a 2010 International Bus transporting migrant workers and a 2001 Ford Ranger truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Authorities reported that the two vehicles sideswiped each other, causing the bus to veer off the roadway, crash through a fence, and overturn. In total, 53 patients were involved in the crash, with 37 hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries and eight in critical condition, as confirmed by the Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR).
Bus full of illegals crashed Tuesday morning in Marion County, Florida resulting in many casualties.
8 are reported dęad and 8 critically wounded.
This happened around 6:35 a.m. as the laborers were being bused to a watermelon farm.pic.twitter.com/pBFBPpGGLG — Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) May 14, 2024
The FHP is currently investigating the cause of the initial collision between the bus and the truck. A witness told the authorities that a brown Ford Ranger traveling in the eastbound lanes suddenly moved into the westbound lanes, colliding with the bus. The impact forced the bus onto the shoulder, where it struck a fence and two trees before overturning, as reported by the Ocala StarBanner.
Marion County Public Schools officials confirmed that while one of their school buses was not involved in the crash, it was used to transport victims to the hospital, as reported by WESH. The bus was believed to be carrying migrant workers who were on their way to a watermelon farm when the accident occurred.
Images from the scene show the wrecked bus lying on its side, surrounded by debris from the crash. Authorities have shut down parts of State Road 40 as they continue their investigation into the incident.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office has not immediately responded to requests for additional information, leaving many questions unanswered as the community grapples with this heartbreaking incident.
