SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A school bus driver faces 29 felony charges of child neglect following a near-fatal train collision involving 29 children and one adult.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Yvonne Hampton was charged on April 2 after the incident at E Central Avenue and N Market Street in Bushnell. Authorities indicated that poor decisions by Hampton nearly endangered the lives of those on board.
Sheriff Pat Breeden announced the charges on Monday, highlighting the thorough investigation led by his team. “The bus driver made poor decisions that could have resulted in the death of 29 children and one adult,” he stated. He commended deputies for their diligence and the school board for providing vital video footage.
In addition to the 29 counts of child neglect, Hampton has also been charged with one count of endangering an adult. Authorities underscored the importance of train safety, with Sheriff Breeden stating, “Trains don't sneak up on people. It was poor judgment that placed children at risk.”
Sumter County School Superintendent Logan Brown remarked on the serious nature of the incident, affirming the collaborative efforts with the Sheriff's Office to ensure student safety.