At least eight individuals were killed and 40 others were injured after a bus carrying farm workers crashed into a pickup truck on SR 40 early Tuesday morning.
The fatal accident took place on W State Road 40, a few hundred feet west of SW 148th Court, at around 6:35 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14.
According to a statement by the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2010 International Bus was transporting approximately 53 farm workers when it collided with a 2001 Ford Ranger Truck on the roadway.
“For reasons to be determined, the two vehicles collided in a sideswiped manner,” according to FHP. After the collision, the bus traveled off the roadway, went through a fence, and overturned.
FHP has confirmed that at least eight individuals are deceased and that approximately 40 other individuals have been transported to local medical facilities.
According to a statement issued by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday morning, W. SR 40 is shut down from SW 180th Avenue Rd to SW 140th Avenue.
Motorists that are planning to travel eastbound on SR 40 may take U.S. Hwy 41 northbound to West County Road 328, then head east on W CR 328 back to SR 40.
Motorists traveling westbound on SR 40 may take CR 328 westbound to U.S. Hwy 41, then proceed back to SR 40.
“Please take an alternate route this morning and stay safe on the roads,” reads a statement from MCSO.
In updates since the accident, law enforcement authorities have clarified that the accident did not involve a Marion County school bus.
“RUMOR CONTROL: This accident does NOT involve a Marion County Public Schools Bus,” reads a statement from MCSO.
This story is developing and will be updated as additional details are provided by authorities. Check back on Ocala-News.com throughout the day for updates.