8 Killed, Dozens Injured In Bus Crash
You don’t hear much about bus accidents, but when they happen, they can be deadly. Sadly, this was recently the case in Ocala. A crash involving a bus and a pickup truck has led to eight fatalities and dozens injured.
The fatal accident occurred on the morning of May 14. A bus was traveling west on State Route 40, near SW 148 Ct. It was transporting 53 farm workers to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon. At the same time, a Ford Ranger pickup truck was heading east on State Route 40.
The truck moved toward the center line and that was when the two vehicles collided in a “sideswiped manner,” according to the Florida Highway Patrol. After the crash, the bus went off the road and went through a fence. It then hit a tree and overturned.
Eight people were killed in the crash, but it’s possible there could be many more fatalities. Dozens others were injured, with eight critically injured. In total, 53 patients have been reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting a massive traffic homicide investigation that is expected to take roughly six months. Later that day, the driver of the truck was arrested after a series of DUI tests. The 41-year-old man is facing eight counts of DUI manslaughter.
Troopers say the man’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slurred. He admitted to smoking marijuana the night before the crash. He also took prescription medications before he went to bed.
The man appeared in court the following day and was denied bond due to his history of driving violations. Also, it was likely that more charges would be coming related to the crash. The man was involved in another crash just three days before hitting the bus. Court records show that he has been convicted 20 times since 2003. Almost all are traffic offenses and include reckless driving and hit and run.
Marion County Public Schools had a school bus that helped transport victims to the hospital. AdventHealth is currently treating one patient from the crash. Several other patients were treated at AdventHealth and later released. HCA Florida West Marion Hospital also took patients from the crash. Five were still in the emergency room as of May 14.
State Route 40 was shut down in both directions after the accident, but it reopened to traffic later that day. The Farmworker Association of Florida has set up a GoFundMe account to support victims of the accident. Cannon Farms closed the day of the crash out of respect for the victims.
Contact Us Today
Buses are heavy vehicles that can cause significant injuries and even death in the event of an accident. Make sure you get full compensation for your injuries.
The Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office can assist you after a crash. We’ll guide you through the process so you can focus on recovery. Call (407) 743-6628 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
wesh.com/article/ocala-bus-crash/60788231
