Two Killed in School Bus Crash in Winter Haven, Florida
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A school bus overturned early Monday morning in a multi-vehicle collision, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a 10th-grade student. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. as the bus was en route to Winter Haven High School with 39 occupants — 37 students, the driver, and the driver's daughter.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the crash began when an oncoming white Chevy Malibu crossed the center line and struck the rear of the bus, causing it to collide head-on with a Jeep, which subsequently caught fire. The driver of the Jeep was killed at the scene.
Emergency responders transported five to seven individuals to the hospital, with at least one in critical condition. Sheriff Judd described the crash as “horrible” and referred to it as a “terrible, tragic morning.”
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid addressed the media near the overturned bus, noting that students are trained in emergency evacuation procedures. “This event could have been far worse,” he stated, highlighting the bus's severe damage.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities promising more updates at a news conference scheduled for Tuesday.