NATIONAL NEWS

8 killed and 45 hurt after a bus carrying farm workers crashes in Florida

May 14, 2024, 12:51 PM

Police and firefighters work on May 14 at the scene of a crash on West Highway 40 in Marion County,...

Police and firefighters work on May 14 at the scene of a crash on West Highway 40 in Marion County, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner/USA Today Network via CNN Newsource

(CNN) — Authorities are bracing for the possibility of additional deaths after emergency officials said a bus thought to be carrying migrant farm workers crashed on a state highway in north-central Florida Tuesday, leaving eight dead and 45 injured.

The 2010 International Bus carrying “approximately 53 farm workers” and a 2001 Ford Ranger sideswiped each other around 6:35 a.m., about 15 miles west of Ocala, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a statement.

The Ford, “for unknown reasons, traveled toward the center line” before the vehicles struck each other, Lt. Patrick Riordan of the Florida Highway Patrol said at a news conference at the scene. The bus then left the roadway, went through a fence and overturned.

Eight people have been confirmed dead while the 45 injured were taken to medical facilities, including eight in critical condition, James Lucas with Marion County Fire Rescue said.

“There’s a high probability this may be beyond eight fatalities,” Lt. Patrick Riordan of the Florida Highway Patrol said at a news conference at the scene, noting some of the injured, who include the driver of the Ford pickup truck, are in “very serious condition.”

Footage captured by CNN affiliate WESH showed the bus – which Riordan said was taking the workers to a farm in the area – lying on its side in a field, with first responders’ vehicles parked nearby, their lights flashing.

“At this point, we are conducting a massive traffic homicide investigation. We have a full team, and then some, here on the scene,” Riordan said. “I can tell you that it’s going to be probably six months, at least, before we conclude, factually, what transpired here today.”

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods indicated authorities believe the bus passengers were migrant workers, telling reporters, “We’re a very big agricultural county. So this time of year, we always have migrant workers that are in our county, that are on buses just like this.”

Asked about the workers’ immigration status, Woods said, “Everything that I have been told at this point – they all have what they need to be here. There’s no reason for me to be involved with these individuals. They’re hard-working individuals, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them being here.”

Woods noted there were challenges with language barriers, but said bilingual sheriff’s office personnel and support staff were assisting in the investigation.

Mexico’s Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena said on Twitter that Mexican workers were involved in the accident, adding, “The Mexican Consulate in Orlando is there to support Mexicans and offer consular assistance.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is monitoring the situation, it said, and the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration similarly said it was “aware of the crash.”

“Our sincere thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the community as FMCSA assesses currently available information in support of state and local safety officials,” an agency spokesperson said.

Westbound lanes on Highway 40 will be closed “for most of the day,” the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said on its Facebook page, asking motorists to take alternate routes.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNN’s Ana Melgar Zugina and Gregory Wallace contributed to this report.


The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

Photo shows wreckage of Alaska plane crash....

Karina Tsui, CNN

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash have been recovered, officials say

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash off the coast of western Alaska have been recovered, authorities said Saturday.

11 hours ago

An aerial overall exterior general view of Caesars Superdome, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New Orleans...

Associated Press

Super Bowl 2025: Time, channel, halftime show, how to watch Chiefs vs. Eagles livestream

Super Bowl weekend has arrived. The Kansas City Chiefs will go for a historic three-peat in the NFL's title game on Sunday in New Orleans, while the Philadelphia Eagles are the only remaining team that can stop them.

13 hours ago

FILE -  Chicago Bears coach Dick Jauron calls out to his team while observing offensive drills in m...

Dave Skretta, AP Sports Writer

Longtime NFL player and coach Dick Jauron dies at 74

Longtime NFL player and coach Dick Jauron, who led the Chicago Bears to the playoffs and was voted AP coach of the year in 2001, died Saturday. He was 74.

14 hours ago

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO ...

Jim Morris, Associated Press

Justin Trudeau reportedly says Trump’s talk of making Canada a US state is ‘a real thing’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state is “a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

1 day ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, claps as Tesla and SpaceX CEO ...

Anthony Izaguirre associated press

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen Democratic attorneys general have sued President Donald Trump to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records.

1 day ago

This photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, shows a small commuter plane t...

Becky Bohrer and Hallie Golden, Associated Press

Missing commuter plane found crashed on Alaska sea ice and all 10 aboard died, authorities say

A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome was located Friday on sea ice, and all 10 people on board died, authorities said.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

8 killed and 45 hurt after a bus carrying farm workers crashes in Florida