Two people are dead and several are injured after a major multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Winter Haven.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, Lucerne Park Road is shut down in both directions starting at Old Lucerne Park Road to the Walmart Distribution Center.
According to Sheriff J, preliminary review of the video showed a Chevy Malibu driving in the westbound lanes veered into the eastbound lane where the bus was and hit the school bus, causing an “almost pit reverse.”
The school bus lost traction, and a tire ripped off the bus, making the bus cross into the westbound lane, hitting a silver Jeep head-on.
There were three cars and the school bus involved in the crash.
During the news conference, J announced that there were 39 people on the bus, 37 high school students, the Polk County Public Schools bus driver, and the bus driver’s 9-year-old daughter.
“I’ve done this job my entire adult life, and this is the most horrific bus tragedy we’ve had in decades,” Sheriff J said.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is investigating the crash along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“NTSB investigators are expected to arrive in the area [Tuesday] to begin gathering information as part of a safety investigation,” the NTSB said in a statement to 8 On Your Side. “While the NTSB does not investigate every school bus crash, investigators will assess the circumstances of this crash to determine whether it raises safety issues with potential national significance.”
J said a 10th-grade girl, who was on the bus, died in the crash. The driver of the silver Jeep was also killed.
According to J, five to seven trauma alerts left the scene in helicopters or private vehicles. One person is in critical condition at this time.
Several people were treated at nearby hospitals.
According to the sheriff’s office, the crash happened around 6:15 a.m.
“There was nothing traditional about this, having to send students to multiple hospitals. Many of whom just to be evaluated, to make sure they’re ok. But this event could have been far worse,” Superintendent Frederick Heid said.
Polk County Public Schools released the following statement:
A PCPS school bus was involved in a serious accident this morning in Winter Haven, which claimed the life of a Winter Haven High student, and another motorist.
This is devastating news for WHHS and our community. We are praying for the victims and their families. Thank you to the many dedicated first responders who provided essential support this morning.
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Source: Wfla
