OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:19 AM – Monday, May 13, 2024
Eight people have died and at least 38 have been hospitalized after a bus carrying 53 farm workers crashed and overturned.
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The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) stated that the crash involved a 2001 Ford Ranger truck and an international retired school bus that was transporting farmworkers on State Road 40.
The accident is believed to have occurred at 6:35 a.m.
Lt. Pat Ridoran told reporters that the bus was traveling west while the truck was going east, when suddenly, “for unknown reasons,” the Ford “traveled toward the centerline” and the vehicles sideswiped each other.
He continued, stating that after the collision, the bus went through a fence, struck a tree, and then overturned.
The Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) reported that at least 38 people have been hospitalized, and eight of those are currently suffering from critical injuries. This is not including the eight individuals who passed away.
According to the FHP, the driver of the truck is also in the hospital with critical injuries.
Riordan said some of the hospitalized are “in very serious condition” and there’s a “high probability” the death count could later rise.
“At this point, we are conducting a massive traffic homicide investigation,” Riordan said.
It’s not clear what caused the two vehicles to initially collide.
Cannon Farms announced on social media early on Tuesday that i would be closed “out of respect to the losses and injuries endured early this morning in the accident that took place to the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp.”
“Please pray with us for the families and the loved ones involved in this tragic accident,” Cannon Farms said. “We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time.”
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told reporters there were over 30 ambulances at the scene this morning tending to the workers.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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