In a tragic turn of events, a bus transporting farmworkers met with a horrific accident in rural Florida, resulting in the death of eight individuals and injuries to 38 others. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the risks faced by those who work tirelessly in the agricultural sector.
BREAKING: 🇺🇸 8 dead, dozens injured, after a bus transporting migrants crashes in Marion County, Florida.
According to the Marion County Public Safety Information Manager:
53 people onboard
8 fatalities
8 additional trauma alerts
38 additional transported to area hospitals pic.twitter.com/8LeLK9AlIG— The Worldview Monitor (@WorldviewFeed) May 14, 2024
Florida’s Highway Tragedy
The aftermath of the crash saw many victims rushed to local hospitals, with eight listed in critical condition. A total of thirty people are currently receiving medical care for non-life-threatening injuries. The collision, which occurred on a two-lane highway near Ocala, involved the bus and a 2001 Ford Ranger truck.
Patrol is investigating the cause of the collision, which they described as a sideswipe incident. Meanwhile, Marion County Fire Chief James Banta reported that 35 fire rescue units responded to the scene of what he termed “a devastating bus wreck.” The Farmworkers Association of Florida is actively involved in supporting the injured workers, and local businesses have expressed their condolences and solidarity during this difficult time.
This accident brings to light the significant presence of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Florida, whose contributions to the agricultural industry are vital yet often accompanied by considerable risks.
