Current:Home > Markets8 killed, dozens injured when bus carrying farmworkers crashes, overturns in Florida -MarketStream
8 killed, dozens injured when bus carrying farmworkers crashes, overturns in Florida
View
Date:2025-04-17 16:43:21
At least eight people were killed and eight more were critically injured when a bus carrying dozens of workers on their way to a farm crashed and overturned in Florida on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The bus was traveling west on State Route 40 on its way to a watermelon farm and was carrying 53 laborers when a Ford Ranger was heading in the opposite direction on the same road. A witness told troopers on the scene that the Ford moved into the westbound lane.
The two vehicles collided "in a sideswiped manner," according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The bus then ran onto the shoulder of the road, struck a fence and two trees and overturned, troopers said.
In addition to the eight people killed and eight in critical condition, another 10 had serious injuries and at least 25 occupants of the bus had minor injuries. About 40 people were transported to hospitals, the highway patrol said in a statement. The driver of the pickup was hospitalized in serious condition.
Highway patrol said the number of fatalities could increase because of the conditions of the critically injured bus occupants.
Sheriff Billy Woods said the people on the bus are hard-working individuals and the crash was a tragedy.
"My heart goes out to them," Woods said. He said his agency is assisting investigators, especially with Spanish language translation. Officials are trying to notify the victims' families.
At least some of the workers were Mexican nationals, Mexico's Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Bárcena said on social media.
The laborers on the bus worked for a private company and were on their way to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, Florida, about 20 miles outside of Ocala, when the crash occurred about 6:35 a.m. The owner of the company was also on the bus and transported to a hospital. The bus was a 2010 International Bus, highway patrol said.
The incident caused the temporary shutdown of part of a highway in Marion County, the sheriff's office said in a social media post.
Transportation accidents No. 1 cause of death for farmworkers
The deadly crash Tuesday is the latest to claim the lives of farmworkers in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, transportation accidents were the leading cause of death for farmworkers in 2021. Such accidents include roadway crashes and incidents such as tractor overturns.
Eight people were killed on Feb. 23 in California when a van carrying farmworkers and a pickup collided, The Associated Press reported. Only two people in the van were wearing seatbelts, officials said.
Investigation into 2016 accident:Florida crash reveals issues in transport of farmworkers; fatigue a factor
In July 2016, another crash in Florida involving a bus carrying migrant farmworkers killed four people. Federal investigators said gaps in safety regulations were at play in the crash. It was caused by caused by a bus driver who didn't stop at an intersection, and who was likely fatigued after picking crops, officials said.
veryGood! (398)
Related
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Meet the 'golden retriever' of pet reptiles, the bearded dragon
- 14 people arrested in Tulane protests found not guilty of misdemeanors
- Alabama lawmaker arrested on domestic violence charge
- 'Stranger Things' prequel 'The First Shadow' is headed to Broadway
- 11-year-old charged after police say suspicious device brought on school bus in Maine
- Jury awards $116M to the family of a passenger killed in a New York helicopter crash
- Nikki Glaser Trolls Aaron Rodgers Over Family Feud and More at New York Jets Game
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Video showing Sean 'Diddy' Combs being arrested at his hotel is released
Ranking
- 'Stranger Things' prequel 'The First Shadow' is headed to Broadway
- Video showing Sean 'Diddy' Combs being arrested at his hotel is released
- Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull became friends off court. Now, Hull is having a career year
- Federal judge temporarily blocks Tennessee’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Meet the 'golden retriever' of pet reptiles, the bearded dragon
- South Carolina to execute Freddie Owens despite questions over guilt. What to know
- Hilarie Burton Shares Update on One Tree Hill Revival
Recommendation
Kansas City Chiefs CEO's Daughter Ava Hunt Hospitalized After Falling Down a Mountain
Mississippi mayor says a Confederate monument is staying in storage during a lawsuit
Matt Damon Shares Insight Into Family’s Major Adjustment After Daughter’s College Milestone
Nikki Glaser Trolls Aaron Rodgers Over Family Feud and More at New York Jets Game
Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
Where is the best fall foliage? Maps and forecast for fall colors.
Proof Hailey Bieber Is Feeling Nostalgic About Her Pregnancy With Baby Jack
Is Isaac Wilson related to Zach Wilson? Utah true freshman QB starts vs Oklahoma State