WINTER HAVEN, Fla. —
Two people were killed after a major school bus crash in Winter Haven on Monday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the incident happened around 6:15 a.m.
He said the school bus was traveling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road when a westbound white Chevy Malibu crashed into it.
Judd said the impact caused the bus to lose control and tear off a tire. The bus then collided head-on with a Jeep and ultimately overturned.
As a result, two people were killed, including a 10th-grade student.
In addition to the school bus, three other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The school bus was carrying 39 people, including 37 high school students, who were on their way to Winter Haven High School.
The other two people on the bus were identified as the school bus driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter.
The Winter Haven Police Department said Lucerne Park Road was shut down in both directions at US-27. It has since reopened.
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The Winter Haven Hospital confirmed it received 22 patients, including 19 pediatric patients and 3 adults.
The hospital said it has treated and released all patients except one pediatric patient who was transferred to another hospital.
Polk County Public Schools confirmed the school bus involved in the crash did have seatbelts for students, adding that all of the school district’s buses are equipped with lap belts.
Polk County Public Schools statement
“A PCPS school bus was involved in a serious accident this morning in Winter Haven, which claimed the life of a Winter Haven High student and another motorist.
This is devastating news for WHHS and our community. We are praying for the victims and their families. Thank you to the many dedicated first responders who provided essential support this morning.”
Chopper 2 on scenePhotos
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The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into the crash in coordination with the sheriff’s office.
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