Winter Haven, Florida — Two people were killed, including a 10th-grade Winter Haven High School student, after a Polk County school bus collided with three other vehicles Monday morning, sending multiple students and other people to hospitals.
The crash happened around 6:15 a.m. on Lucerne Park Road, while it was still dark outside. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the school bus was carrying 39 people, including 37 Winter Haven High School students, the bus driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter.
White Chevy Malibu Crossed Into Oncoming Traffic
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the school bus was traveling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road when a westbound white Chevy Malibu crossed the center line for reasons that remain unknown. The Malibu struck the tandem rear wheels of the school bus.
Judd said the impact caused the bus to lose traction and ripped off one of its tires. The bus then crossed into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a silver Jeep.
The Jeep caught fire following the collision, and its driver was killed. The crash ultimately resulted in two fatalities, including the Jeep driver and a 10th-grade girl who was riding on the school bus.
Dozens of Students Were Taken to Hospitals
The large number of students aboard the bus led to a major emergency response involving more than 100 first responders. According to the sheriff’s office, students were transported for medical evaluation in several different ways.
Twenty-two students were taken to a hospital on another school bus, accompanied by a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic. Seven additional students were transported by ambulance, while three students were airlifted to hospitals.
Another four students were taken to hospitals by their family members.
The school bus driver and her 9-year-old daughter were also transported by ambulance. One other adult involved in the crash was taken to a hospital by ambulance, while two other people involved in the collision drove themselves to hospitals.
Officials said one person remained in critical condition, while several others were being treated or had already been released.
Sheriff Calls Crash One of the County’s Worst in Decades
The severity of the crash prompted an emotional response from Sheriff Judd, who described the incident as an especially devastating tragedy.
“I think this is the most horrific bus tragedy that we’ve had in decades,” Judd said. “If there’s a silver lining, the silver lining is there wasn’t more fatalities than there were. But to have one fatality is one too many. And to have one fatality of a beautiful high school girl is just heartbreaking.”
The student’s identity has not been publicly released. News of the crash also deeply affected students at Winter Haven High School. Ninth grader Johanelis Feliciano said she regularly sees the bus involved in the crash.
“Sad that some people died because it’s the bus that I see every day,” Feliciano said. “People are crying because that was some people’s friends.”
Another student, Alayna Davis, described the emotional atmosphere at school following the crash.
“Everybody was upset about the whole situation and everybody just kept bringing it up,” Davis said. “Everybody was just upset and crying.”
Families and Students Left Heartbroken
Parents also expressed their grief and concern after learning about the crash. Alana Kessler said she was thinking about everyone affected by the tragedy.
“It’s horrible tragedy, I can’t even imagine,” Kessler said. “Heartbroken for family, friends, anybody involved.”
School Superintendent Fred Heid confirmed that families had been notified about the situation. He also said emergency evacuation drills helped prevent further severe injuries, an important factor as students and staff responded to the chaotic crash.
Investigation Into Crash Remains Underway
Authorities have not yet determined why the driver of the Chevy Malibu crossed into oncoming traffic. Officials said the driver was on the way to work, is cooperating with investigators and has not been arrested.
The National Transportation Safety Board, working with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, has opened a safety investigation into the crash.
Questions involving school bus equipment, including seatbelts, and student reunification are expected to be addressed by Polk County Public Schools and the sheriff’s office.
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The sheriff’s office also said school bus video and 911 calls would not be released Monday.
Lucerne Park Road Reopens as Investigation Continues
The crash caused significant disruption in the area as emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators examined the vehicles.
Lucerne Park Road reopened around 2 p.m. Monday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Winter Haven High School remained open Monday despite the tragedy. Sheriff’s officials planned another press conference for Tuesday morning to provide additional information about the investigation and response.
For the Winter Haven community, however, the immediate focus remains on the students, families and others affected by the devastating crash.
A high school student lost her life on what began as an ordinary school morning. Share your thoughts and condolences for the student’s family, the Jeep driver’s loved ones, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy in the comments.
