A Florida truck driver was arrested for driving under the influence after a horrific crash with a bus that left eight people dead and at least 40 others injured.
The accident occurred in Dunnellon, Marion County, Tuesday morning around 6:30 am.
The bus was carrying 53 workers to a watermelon farm, which authorities confirmed was canyon farmswhen he collided with a Ford Ranger pickup truck.
The collision caused the bus to go off the road and through a fence where it overturned, killing eight passengers and injuring at least 40 others.
Police arrested Bryan Maclean Howard, the truck driver, Tuesday afternoon on charges of eight counts of manslaughter by driving under the influence.
Police arrested Bryan Maclean Howard, the truck driver, Tuesday afternoon on charges of eight counts of manslaughter by driving under the influence.
A horrific accident in Florida involving a bus killed at least eight people, left eight more in critical condition and hospitalized at least 37
The accident occurred in Dunnellon, Marion County, Tuesday morning around 6:30 am.
It is unclear what caused the crash, although aerial footage showed a crumpled gray pickup truck also involved in the incident.
FLHSMV CEO Dave Kerner said: ‘The initial investigation reveals that the two vehicles made contact in a side collision.
“After the collision, the bus left the road, went through a fence and then overturned. Currently, eight people have been confirmed dead and approximately 40 people have been transported to local medical facilities.
‘The identities of the deceased will be released pending notification of next of kin. Our condolences and prayers are with the families of the deceased.
“Consistent with our duties, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct a thorough and thorough criminal and traffic accident investigation.”
Authorities said the workers were employees of a private company and that the company’s owner was among those transported to the hospital, according to OCALA.
Of the estimated 40 people injured, 37 were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eight were listed as in critical condition.
Early reports falsely stated that the accident involved schoolchildren; However, authorities clarified that a Marion County Public Schools bus was being used to transport the injured from the scene to the hospital.
Crews from Marion County Fire Rescue and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are assisting victims of the horrific crash Tuesday morning.
Authorities said the bus was traveling to Cannon Farms, about 15 miles from the crash site.
Authorities said 53 ‘immigrant workers’ were traveling to a watermelon farm on the bus before it overturned.
The images showed a crumpled gray pickup truck that was also reportedly involved in the incident. The driver was also taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Florida officials have closed sections of State Road 40 West while they deal with the fatal crash.
Numerous law enforcement agencies are on the scene and officials said the investigation is being led by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Cannon Farms, the intended destination, said on Facebook after the accident: “We will be closed today out of respect for the losses and injuries sustained early this morning in the accident that occurred at Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp.
‘Please pray with us for the families and loved ones involved in this tragic accident. “We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time.”
It is unclear what caused the fatal crash, which also reportedly involved a pickup truck.
Florida officials closed sections of State Road 40 West while they deal with the fatal crash.
Olvera Trucking, the owner of the bus involved in the accident, had recently advertised a job as a temporary driver to take workers to watermelon farms.
The job also included operating harvesting equipment and paid $14.77 an hour.
The Associated Press discovered that a Department of Labor document shows Olvera recently requested that 43 H-2A workers harvest watermelons at Cannon Farms this month.
The company again offered a base rate of $14.77 an hour, with promises of lodging and transportation to and from the camps.
The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or agents who meet certain regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals into the country to fill temporary agricultural jobs.
Florida farms employ more H-2A workers than any other state, about 50,000 a year, according to the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.