Tragedy struck on Tuesday morning in Florida as a bus carrying dozens of workers en route to a farm crashed, resulting in at least eight fatalities and numerous critical injuries, authorities reported.
The bus, carrying 53 laborers on their way 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 at the scene, the Ford Ranger entered the westbound lane, leading to a collision between the two vehicles described as a “sideswipe,” as detailed by the Florida Highway Patrol. Subsequently, the bus veered onto the road shoulder, striking a fence and two trees before overturning.
Alongside the eight fatalities and eight critically injured, another ten individuals sustained serious injuries, while approximately 25 occupants of the bus suffered minor injuries. Emergency services transported around 40 people to hospitals for treatment, including the driver of the pickup truck who was in serious condition.
Authorities have expressed concerns that the number of fatalities may rise due to the severe conditions of the critically injured bus occupants. Sheriff Billy Woods extended his condolences, emphasizing the hard-working nature of those involved in the crash.
The laborers, employed by a private company, were headed to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, Florida, approximately 20 miles outside Ocala, at the time of the accident, which occurred around 6:35 a.m. The owner of the company was also on board the bus and was among those transported to a hospital. The bus involved was identified as a 2010 International Bus.
The incident prompted the temporary closure of a section of the highway in Marion County, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office through a social media update.