By BN-A tragic bus crash in north-central Florida on Tuesday morning has left eight people dead and 45 injured, with authorities bracing for the possibility of additional fatalities. The incident occurred around 6:35 a.m., about 15 miles west of Ocala, when a 2010 International Bus carrying approximately 53 migrant farm workers and a 2001 Ford Ranger sideswiped each other on a state highway.
According to Lt. Patrick Riordan of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Ford “for unknown reasons, traveled toward the center line” before the vehicles collided. The impact caused the bus to leave the roadway, go through a fence, and overturn in a field.
Marion County Fire Rescue’s James Lucas reported that while eight people have been confirmed dead, 45 individuals were transported to medical facilities, with eight of them in critical condition. Lt. Riordan noted that there is a “high probability” the death toll may rise beyond eight, as some of the injured, including the driver of the Ford pickup truck, are in “very serious condition.”
Video footage from the scene, captured by CNN affiliate WESH, showed the overturned bus lying on its side in a field, surrounded by first responders’ vehicles with their lights flashing. Lt. Riordan stated that the bus was transporting the workers to a farm in the area when the accident occurred.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive traffic homicide investigation, with Lt. Riordan estimating that it will take at least six months to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods indicated that the bus passengers were believed to be migrant workers, stating, “We’re a very big agricultural county. So this time of year, we always have migrant workers that are in our county, that are on buses just like this.” When asked about the workers’ immigration status, Sheriff Woods said, “Everything that I have been told at this point – they all have what they need to be here. There’s no reason for me to be involved with these individuals. They’re hard-working individuals, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them being here.”
The sheriff’s office acknowledged challenges with language barriers but said bilingual personnel and support staff were assisting in the investigation.
Mexico’s Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena confirmed on Twitter that Mexican workers were involved in the accident and stated that the Mexican Consulate in Orlando was on-site to provide support and consular assistance to the affected individuals.
The National Transportation Safety Board is monitoring the situation, and the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is aware of the crash and assessing available information to support state and local safety officials.
As a result of the accident, westbound lanes on Highway 40 are expected to remain closed for most of the day, with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asking motorists to take alternate routes.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, with thoughts and prayers being extended to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident.
