On Monday morning a two‑vehicle crash on Havendale Boulevard sent a sedan careening into a Winter Haven daycare, prompting concern for child safety among Tampa Bay families. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:13 a.m., involved a Citrus Connection school bus and a small sedan. The impact propelled the sedan off the roadway and into the Private Christian School Child Care facility at 1588 Havendale Blvd., injuring five children and the car’s driver, according to the Tampa Bay Free Press.
Winter Haven police and fire crews responded quickly to the scene. All occupants of the daycare were accounted for, and the five children were transported to a local hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. The sedan driver also received treatment for non‑life‑threatening injuries before being taken to the same hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Fox 13 provided an eyewitness account from George Aguilar, who works at the Gold Star Pawn and Gun store next door to the daycare. Aguilar said he heard what sounded like a crash, saw the bus come to a stop, and watched the blue sedan roll into the school building. He called 911 and later described hearing children crying, but noted there was no visible blood and that the children appeared to be okay.
Police have not released a cause for the collision and the investigation remains ongoing. Aguilar suggested that crashes happen frequently in the area, noting that many drivers speed through the neighborhood, but officials have not confirmed speed or other factors as contributors to this specific event.
Winter Haven Police Department released a statement confirming that the crash response and injuries were as described and that the cause of the collision is still under investigation. The department emphasized that they are working with the Florida Department of Transportation and the bus operator to determine why the bus and sedan collided.
What’s next: Investigators will continue to examine vehicle data, witness statements, and roadway conditions to determine the cause of the crash. The daycare remains closed for the remainder of the day while officials assess any structural damage. Residents are advised to avoid the immediate area of Havendale Boulevard until further notice and to stay tuned for updates from Winter Haven police.
Sources: fox13news.com, tampafp.com
