8 killed, 38 injured following Marion County bus crash Multiple migrant workers have died, and a man is accused of driving under the influence after a bus crash in Marion County. (WFTV)
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Eight people died and 38 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. Read live updates below:
The Mexican Consulate said the farmworkers on the bus were as young as 18, with workers as old as in their 40s.
The organization said that one victim, a man in his early 30s, leaves behind a 1-year-old daughter. Family members said he planned to work for five years and provide a better future for his daughter.
The Consulate is trying to speak with the Olvera Trucking Corp and Cannon Farms in Dunnellon. As of Tuesday evening, they have not made contact with either.
The Farmworker Association created a GoFundMe for the victims and their families.
The funds raised will support those affected by the tragic accident.
Florida Department of Transportation officials said State Road 40 between Ocala and Dunnellon has reopened to traffic.
The bus crash had closed the road for over 12 hours.
6:25 p.m. update
The Florida Highway State Patrol said it could be up to six months before the facts come back surrounding the tragic death of eight migrant workers who were on the way to a watermelon farm in Marion County.
“I’ve worked many fatalities in my career, and this is the death that you do not expect,” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said Tuesday.
Officials said a retired school bus was carrying 53 migrant workers Tuesday morning when a Ford pickup truck collided with the bus on State Road 40.
FHP said the bus was traveling west on the highway when the pickup made its way to the center lane and sideswiped the bus.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, almost 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The bus veered onto the shoulder of the roadway, hit a tree and went through a fence before overturning in an open pasture.
On Tuesday, troopers arrested Bryan Maclean Howard, the driver of the pickup, on eight counts of driving under the influence manslaughter.
Residents who live nearby said the roadway is notorious for crashes.
“It’s not uncommon to have this road closed down because of fatalities,” said Ashley Smith, a Marion County resident. “A lot of single fatalities, but not of this magnitude. Eight people in one morning is a record.”
Investigators are still working to confirm the identity of the victims.
FHP said a commercial motor vehicle team was at the scene to specifically investigate the bus involved in the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Tuesday afternoon that it has made an arrest in a bus crash that left eight people dead and 38 others injured.
The agency said that shortly after 1:45 p.m., it arrested Bryan Maclean Howard -- the driver of a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck involved in the crash -- on eight counts of driving under the influence manslaughter.
Investigators said the crash involved Howard’s pickup and a 2010 International Bus that was transporting about 53 employees of a farming company.
The agency said the vehicles were involved in a “sideswipe-type collision,” causing the bus to travel off the roadway, through a fence and then overturn.
FHP said it will release the identities of those killed in the crash once the victims’ relatives have been notified of their deaths.
“Our sympathies and prayers are with the families of the deceased,” the agency said in a statement. “Consistent with our duties, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct both a thorough and exhaustive traffic crash and criminal investigation.”
Bryan Maclean Howard Bryan Maclean Howard was arrested Tuesday afternoon on eight counts of DUI manslaughter. (Marion County Jail)
3:55 p.m. update
AdventHealth Ocala said it has transferred two of the 16 patients brought to its hospital to other facilities.
The hospital said that the remaining 14 patients in its care are in the process of being discharged.
Marion County Fire Rescue said firefighters arrived at the crash scene within nine minutes of being dispatched.
They said firefighters discovered a bus that had rolled over and immediately called for more help.
Firefighters said they counted a total of 46 patients, with eight of them being declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
They said 38 people were taken to hospitals, with eight in critical condition and 30 with non-life-threatening injuries.
“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the loss of eight lives,” Marion County fire Chief James Banta said. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the 35 MCFR units that promptly responded to the emergency. I also want to thank our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, HCA Ocala, AdventHealth Ocala and the Marion County Public School system for their invaluable assistance in transporting 45 patients to local hospitals. Their coordinated efforts were crucial in managing this crisis.”
AdventHealth told Channel 9 that it is currently treating 16 patients -- 12 at AdventHealth Ocala and four at AdventHealth Timber Ridge ER.
“Our prayers are with all those affected by the tragic bus accident in Ocala this morning,” said Dr. Rodrigo Torres, AdventHealth Ocala’s chief medical officer. “Our immediate priority is to provide exceptional medical care to those injured and compassionate support to our patients and their loved ones.”
Marion County officials will provide a live update momentarily. Watch it live on Channel 9 or by clicking here.
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Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, nearly 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos: 8 killed, almost 40 injured in bus crash Eight people died and almost 40 others were injured when a bus carrying farm workers collided with a pickup truck on State Road 40 in Marion County early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
10:50 a.m. update
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened at 6:35 a.m. on State Road 40 -- about 500 feet west of Southwest 148 Court.
Troopers said the collision involved a 2010 International Bus and a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck.
“For reasons to be determined, the two vehicles collided in a sideswiped manner,” an FHP spokesman said. “Post collision, the bus traveled off the roadway through a fence and then overturned.”
Troopers said eight people have died in the crash and approximately 40 others have been taken to hospitals for treatment.
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