School bus flips in Florida multivehicle crash; Student dies

At least one student died on Monday in a multivehicle crash in central Florida that overturned a school bus with children on board, according to local officials. The crash killed one 10th-grade girl and a driver of one of the three cars that were involved in the crash with the school bus, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told reporters.

The bus carried 37 high school students, along with the bus driver and the bus driver’s 9-year-old daughter. Across the four vehicles involved, two individuals died. Trauma alerts prompted emergency workers to respond by air and ground. Sheriff Judd described a range in the severity of injuries, with hurt people leaving the scene by helicopters, ambulances, and private vehicles. He reported that only one person involved in the crash remained in critical condition. The sheriff did not say how many of the trauma alert cases were students. The traffic homicide team will investigate the crash.

It’s a blessing that more people weren't killed since over 40 people were involved, Judd said. There hasn’t been a horrific bus crash like this in Polk County for decades. Those who pray should pray for the families involved, and those who don’t pray should start because they have more than enough reason, he added.

What caused the crash? A review of crash footage appeared to show the school bus eastbound when a westbound White Chevy Malibu completely crossed the center line and crashed into the bus, Judd said. After being hit, the bus crossed over the center line and collided head-on with a silver Jeep, whose driver died from the accident. A fourth vehicle, a car, also crashed into the pileup, including the school bus carrying 37 high school students. The investigation remains in preliminary stages, and police have not arrested the driver of the Chevy that appeared to first cross the center line. The driver is cooperating with authorities, Judd said.

Polk County Public Schools Fred Heid appeared alongside Judd and reported that over 100 first responders reported to the scene. The county had held regular bus evacuation drills for students, and leaders were grateful most of the students on board remained safe, he said. Polk County School Board chairman Justin Sharpless also addressed reporters on Monday and recalled Psalm 34:18, a verse stating that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. There are many heartbroken people in the community today, and they need continual prayers over the coming days, he said.