An off-duty Gainesville Police Department officer sustained very serious injuries Friday morning when his marked Ford Explorer crashed into the rear of a stationary Marion County school bus as children were being picked up, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The collision took place at approximately 6:55 a.m. at the intersection of Southwest 49th Avenue Road and Southwest 82nd Place Road in Marion County, Florida. Troopers reported that 13 students were aboard the school bus at the time of the impact.
Details of the Marion County Collision
According to investigators, the Marion County school bus was traveling southbound and had stopped in the outside lane to collect children at a designated stop. The bus had its flashing warning lights fully activated and its stop arms extended when the officer approached from behind in the same lane.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating why the front of the officer’s marked Ford Explorer struck the back of the stationary bus. The impact caused significant damage and triggered a multi-agency emergency response.
Injuries and Hospital Transport
The off-duty Gainesville officer was transported immediately to a nearby hospital. Law enforcement and medical reports from local outlets, including WCJB and WBBJ-TV, described his injuries as very serious but not life-threatening.
Three other individuals aboard the bus sustained minor injuries and required medical attention:
- The 37-year-old bus driver
- A 54-year-old bus aide
- A 9-year-old student
News4JAX reported that all three individuals were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. The remaining students on the bus were evaluated at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the active crash investigation to determine the exact factors that led to the rear-end collision. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding potential contributing factors or whether charges will be filed as the review continues.
