Tragic accident on West Highway 40 in central Florida leaves eight dead and dozens injured

Eight people were killed and thirty-eight others injured when a bus carrying about 53 farmworkers collided with a truck and overturned on West Highway 40 in central Florida. The tragic incident occurred on May 14, according to state officials. The truck driver, Bryan Maclean Howard, was arrested on eight counts of driving under the influence-manslaughter, as confirmed by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The accident happened around 6:35 a.m. when Howard’s 2001 Ford Ranger truck veered toward the center line and sideswiped the 2010 International Bus. This caused the bus to veer off the road, crash through a fence, and overturn. The bus was en route to a local farm at the time of the collision.

Emergency Response and Casualties

Marion County Fire Rescue reported that 46 individuals were involved in the crash. Eight fatalities were declared on the scene by paramedics, while thirty-eight injured individuals were transported to local hospitals. Among those injured, eight were in critical condition and thirty sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Eight killed and thirty-eight injured in a tragic bus crash in central Florida.

Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Patrick Riordan indicated the possibility of more fatalities due to the severity of the injuries. Howard, the truck driver, was among those hospitalized following the crash.

International Impact and Support

The Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, confirmed that some of the farmworkers involved in the crash were Mexican nationals. The Mexican consulate in Orlando is providing support to those affected by the tragedy.

Official Statements and Charges

The Florida Highway Patrol announced the arrest of Bryan Maclean Howard on eight counts of Driving Under the Influence-Manslaughter. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances that led to the collision.

Community Reaction and Safety Measures

The accident has sparked discussions on road safety and the enforcement of DUI laws. Community leaders are calling for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Emergency responders and healthcare providers are working tirelessly to support the victims and their families.