According to state officials, a tragic accident occurred on West Highway 40 in central Florida resulting in the loss of eight lives. The incident involved a bus carrying approximately 53 farmworkers, which was hit by a truck and subsequently overturned.
Bryan Maclean Howard, the truck driver, has been taken into custody by the Florida Highway Patrol for eight charges related to driving under the influence and manslaughter.
According to Marion County Fire Rescue, there were a total of 38 individuals injured in the incident. Out of these, eight people are currently in critical condition, while the remaining 30 have sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Patrick Riordan informed reporters that there is a strong likelihood that the number of fatalities may exceed eight.
Howard was one of the individuals who were hospitalized, according to officials.
At approximately 6:35 a.m., the 2010 International Bus and Howard’s 2001 Ford Ranger truck were traveling in opposite directions. However, the truck unexpectedly veered towards the center line, resulting in a collision between the two vehicles in a sideswiped manner, according to officials.
Officials said that the bus went off West Highway 40, crashed through a fence, and subsequently overturned.
According to Riordan, the bus was heading towards a farm in the vicinity when the accident occurred.
According to Alicia Bรกrcena, the Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary, there were Mexican farm workers involved in the crash. The Mexican consulate in Orlando is providing assistance and support to those affected.
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