A multi-vehicle crash in Florida involving a bus believed to be carrying “migrant workers” killed eight people and left 45 others injured on Tuesday, police said.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a school bus carrying 53 people was involved in the fatal wreck on State Road 40 in Marion County around 6:30 a.m.
The bus was carrying migrant workers who were on route to a watermelon farm, police said, with Marion County Public Schools officials confirming that no students were involved in the crash.
The injured were carried away in another school bus, with eight of them listed in critical condition and the 37 others suffering non-life-threatening injuries, WCJB reports.
A witness told Florida Highway Patrol that a brown Ford Ranger traveling in the eastbound lanes suddenly moved into the westbound lanes and collided with the bus, according to the Ocala StarBanner.
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The crash forced the bus onto the shoulder, where it struck a fence and slammed into two trees, causing the vehicle to overturn, officials said.
Images of the scene show the wrecked bus on its side and surrounded by debris from the crash.
Authorities have shut down parts of State Road 40 as they continue to investigate the incident.
Cannon Farms, a family-owned business based in Dunnellon where the workers were being transported to, closed early on Tuesday due to the crash.
Authorities have shut down parts of State Road 40 as they continue to investigate the incident.
“We will be closed today out of respect to the losses and injuries endured early this morning in the accident that took place to the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp,” the company said in a statement.
“Please pray with us for the families and the loved ones involved in this tragic accident. We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time,” Cannon Farms added.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for additional information.
This is a breaking news event, please refresh for updates.
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