Fatal Florida Bus Crash Leaves Eight Dead, Dozens Injured in Marion County Accident

On the morning of Tuesday, May 14th, tragedy struck in Marion County, Florida when a bus carrying farmworkers was involved in a devastating crash. The incident left at least eight people dead and 40 others hospitalized, according to authorities.

Collision Details

The crash occurred on West State Road 40 when the 2010 International Bus, transporting around 53 workers, collided with a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck in what was described as "a sideswiped manner" by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The bus then careened off the road, plowed through a fence, and overturned.

Tragically, among the approximately 40 hospitalized individuals, eight were critically injured. The driver of the pickup truck also sustained serious injuries, and was hospitalized, as revealed by officials.

Bus Occupants and Destination

Authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying migrant workers, a common occurrence in the agricultural county, as stated by Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods during a news conference. The workers were en route to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon when the fatal crash occurred.

Road Closure and Investigation

In the aftermath of the tragedy, West Highway 40 was closed due to the severity of the accident, with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office advising drivers to seek alternate routes. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has initiated an investigation into the collision.