A school bus carrying 39 people overturned in Central Florida following a multi-vehicle crash. The accident left two people dead and multiple individuals injured, according to local authorities. The tragic crash occurred just before 6:15 a.m. in Winter Haven, Florida. The bus was traveling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road toward Winter Haven High School.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the sequence of events during a press conference. He stated that a white Chevrolet Malibu veered across the center line into oncoming traffic. The sedan struck the rear wheels of the school bus, tearing off a tire and causing the driver to lose control. The impact forced the bus into oncoming traffic, where it collided head-on with a silver Jeep. The Jeep subsequently caught fire upon impact.
Casualties and Passenger Details
Authorities confirmed that two people lost their lives in the collision. The deceased include a 10th-grade female student who was riding on the school bus and an occupant inside the silver Jeep. Officials have withheld the identities of both victims pending family notification.
At the time of the collision, the bus was transporting 37 high school students, the bus driver, and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter. Between five and seven individuals sustained severe injuries requiring trauma alerts. They were transported to local hospitals via helicopters, ambulances, and private vehicles. Law enforcement updates stated that at least one victim remained in critical condition following the crash. Many other injured individuals were treated and released by Monday afternoon.
Emergency Response and Investigation
First responders from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Winter Haven Fire Department, Winter Haven Police Department, Haines City Police, and Polk County Fire Rescue rushed to the scene. Authorities closed Lucerne Park Road in both directions for hours. Traffic homicide investigators examined the wreckage and cleared debris during this time.
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid praised students for their preparedness. He noted that regular evacuation drills helped prevent further injuries. The driver of the Chevy Malibu stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Meanwhile, authorities continued to review preliminary video footage and gather evidence regarding why the vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic.
