In a devastating incident that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, a bus carrying farm workers collided with a truck in north-central Florida, resulting in eight fatalities and leaving 40 others hospitalized, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The accident occurred on State Road 40, approximately 45 miles south of Gainesville, when a 2010 International former school bus, transporting farm workers, and a 2001 Ford Ranger truck sideswiped each other. The bus, carrying around 50 people, veered off the road, crashed through a fence, struck a tree, and overturned, as reported by Lt. Pat Riordan of the Florida Highway Patrol.
The cause of the collision remains unclear, with Lt. Riordan stating that the Ford "traveled toward the centerline" for "unknown reasons". The driver of the Ford pickup was also hospitalized with serious injuries. Among the hospitalized, eight are critically injured, and there is a "high probability" that the death toll could rise, given the severity of some of the injuries.
The farm workers were en route to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon. Following the incident, Cannon Farms announced its closure for the day, expressing respect for the losses and injuries endured in the accident involving the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp. "Please pray with us for the families and the loved ones involved in this tragic accident," the farm urged on social media.
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading a "massive traffic homicide investigation" into the incident. The weather, which was rainy at the time of the crash, will also be investigated as a potential factor. The next step for authorities is the notification of next of kin, a process that may prove challenging given that some of the victims may be from out of the area.
Local hospitals, including AdventHealth Ocala and two HCA Florida Healthcare facilities in Ocala, are treating the injured. AdventHealth Ocala's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rodrigo Torres, stated that their immediate priority is to provide "exceptional medical care to those injured, and compassionate support to our patients and their loved ones."
The tragic accident has led to the closure of SR-40 in both directions, with over 30 ambulances reported at the scene. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods described the victims as "hard working individuals," highlighting the significant contribution of migrant workers to the county's agricultural sector.
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