Winter Haven, Fla. – A tragic multivehicle collision early Monday morning left two people dead and several injured after a school bus transporting students to Winter Haven High School rolled onto its roof.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told a morning news conference that the bus was traveling along a local road shortly after 6 a.m. when an oncoming car crossed the center line and struck the side of the bus near its rear wheels. The impact ripped a tire from the bus and forced it into an oncoming Jeep, which subsequently caught fire.
Casualties and response
The crash claimed the lives of a 10th‑grade girl on the bus and the driver of the Jeep. First responders spent several hours at the scene, extracting passengers, providing medical care, and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Sheriff Judd said officials also worked to identify the victims and reunite surviving students with their families.
“It was a horrible crash,” Judd said. “It was a terrible, tragic morning. We had a beautiful 10th‑grade girl lose her life.”
Investigation underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the car’s lane crossing. The crash involved multiple vehicles, and the police are reviewing dash‑cam footage and witness statements to determine whether speed, impairment, or mechanical failure contributed to the incident.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigators will also examine the condition of the bus and the Jeep to assess whether any safety equipment or vehicle maintenance issues played a role.
Community impact
The accident has shaken the Winter Haven community, especially families with children attending Winter Haven High School. School officials have offered counseling services for students and staff affected by the tragedy. The district is also reviewing transportation safety protocols to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Winter Haven Mayor Rob Haines expressed his condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event. We will work closely with law enforcement and the school district to support our community during this difficult time.”
Next steps
The sheriff’s office will release a full report once the investigation is complete. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to stay in contact with the school’s transportation department for updates on any changes to bus routes or safety procedures.
Anyone with additional information about the crash is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
