A 10th-grade girl and a Jeep driver were killed Monday morning when a school bus carrying Winter Haven High School students overturned in a crash in Polk County, Florida, according to the sheriff’s office.
The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis offered state assistance and urged prayer in a statement reported by News 6 in Orlando.
“Gov. Ron DeSantis has been briefed on this tragic situation and has offered any and all necessary state resources. Please continue to pray for these students and their families,” the governor’s office said.
“I think this is the most horrific bus tragedy we’ve had in decades, as far back as I can remember,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference.
The crash happened around 6:15 a.m. on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven. Judd said a westbound Chevrolet Malibu crossed the center line and struck the rear of the eastbound bus, ripping off a tire, News 6 reported. The bus crossed into the opposite lane, collided head-on with a silver Jeep and overturned. The Jeep caught fire.
The bus carried 39 people: 37 students, the driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter. Four vehicles were involved in the crash, according to authorities cited by ABC News.
All 36 surviving students were transported to hospitals, including three who were airlifted, ABC News reported. The bus driver and her daughter also were taken to a hospital by ambulance.
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Judd reported one person in critical condition during the morning briefing. Most patients treated for injuries were released Monday, according to ABC News.
Winter Haven High School held classes Monday, with counselors available, News 6 reported.
Investigators have not determined why the Malibu crossed the center line. The investigation remains preliminary, and officials expect to release additional details at a news conference Tuesday, ABC News reported.
We ask our readers to join us in praying for both grieving families and everyone injured or affected by this tragedy. Pray for God’s comfort, healing and strength for the students, the bus driver and her daughter, the other motorists and the school community and for the first responders and medical teams caring for them.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
