At least eight people died and 45 were injured when a bus carrying migrant workers to a watermelon farm overturned on a Florida state highway after a fiery collision Tuesday morning, according to CNN.
The bus “carrying approximately 53 farm workers” and a Ford Ranger truck collided violently around 6:35 a.m. in Marion County, north of Orlando, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The bus then left the roadway, went through a fence and overturned in a field.
The workers were on their way to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, where they harvest watermelon.
Eight people died at the scene, and 45 injured people were taken to hospital, eight of them in critical condition, according to authorities.
They also expect additional deaths, revealed Lieutenant Patrick Riordan, of the Florida Highway Patrol, during a press conference.
The driver of the Ford Ranger pickup truck is in “very serious condition,” he told CNN News.
A massive investigation is set up concerning “a road homicide”.
“We have a full team, and more, here on stage,” said Mr. Riordan.
Cannon Farms announced on its Facebook page that it would be closed for the day Tuesday out of respect for the losses and injuries suffered in the accident.
“Please pray with us for the families and loved ones involved in this tragic accident. We thank you for your understanding during these difficult times,” she expressed.
Cannon Farms describes itself as a commercial and family farming operation currently focusing on peanut and watermelon production.
Their merchandise ships throughout the United States and Canada.
More details to come…
