The driver of an SUV was killed on Wednesday morning after his vehicle struck a Marion County school bus carrying high school students in Ocala.
According to the Ocala Police Department (OPD), at approximately 8:10 a.m., the SUV was traveling northbound near the intersection of SE 36th Avenue and SE 15th Street. The school bus was traveling southbound near the same intersection.
OPD states that the SUV swerved through multiple lanes of traffic, crossed into oncoming traffic, and then struck the side of the school bus. The occupants of the school bus were not injured in the accident.
After the SUV struck the school bus, it collided with a nearby tree. The driver and sole occupant of the SUV was transported to a local hospital where he sadly passed away. His next of kin has been notified.
In a social media post, OPD stated that “it is possible that the SUV driver may have been experiencing a medical episode” based on details that have been gathered regarding the crash.
Due to the accident, traffic on SE 36th Avenue has been diverted between SE 13th Street and SE 15th Street. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.