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Deadly Polk school bus crash
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd gives an update on a school bus crash that killed two people, including a 10th grade Winter Haven High School student, on Monday morning.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A crash involving a Polk County school bus and three other vehicles left two people dead, including a 10th grade Winter Haven High School student, and sent multiple others to hospitals Monday morning, according to law enforcement.
Fatal crash on Lucerne Park Road
What we know:
Around 6:15 a.m. on Monday, while it was still dark outside, a Polk County school bus carrying 39 people was traveling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a westbound white Chevy Malibu crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck the tandem rear wheels of the bus.
Judd added that the impact caused the bus to lose traction and ripped off one of its tires. The bus then crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a silver Jeep, according to authorities. The Jeep caught fire, and its driver was killed.
Tragic loss of life and injuries
By the numbers:
Judd said two people were killed in the crash, including a 10th-grade girl riding the school bus and the driver inside the silver Jeep. The sheriff added that the bus was carrying 37 Winter Haven High School students, the bus driver and the driver's 9-year-old daughter.
According to PCSO, the students were transported to hospitals in several ways:
- 22 students were taken to a hospital on another school bus accompanied by a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic.
- Seven students were transported by ambulance.
- Three students were airlifted to hospitals.
- Four students were taken to hospitals by family members.
The bus driver and her 9-year-old daughter also were transported by ambulance, according to the sheriff's office. In addition, one adult involved in the crash was taken to a hospital by ambulance, while two other people involved in the crash transported themselves to hospitals.
Officials said one person remains in critical condition, while several others are being treated or have been treated and released.
Investigation and response ongoing
What we don't know:
Authorities have not publicly released the name of the 10th-grade student who died. It remains unknown why the driver of the Chevy Malibu drifted into oncoming traffic, though sheriff's officials noted the driver was on the way to work, is cooperating and has not been arrested.
Over 100 first responders rushed to what Judd described as the county's most tragic bus crash in decades.
School Superintendent Fred Heid confirmed families were notified and noted emergency evacuation drills helped prevent further severe injuries to students.
Questions about school bus equipment, including seatbelts, and student reunification should be directed to Polk County Public Schools, the sheriff's office said.
PCSO said the school bus video or 911 calls will not be released on Monday.
Traffic impacts and next steps
What's next:
Lucerne Park Road has since reopened as of 3 p.m. Monday, according to the sheriff's office.
Winter Haven High School remained open Monday, and sheriff's officials plan to hold another press conference with more details on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who spoke at a press conference, as well as statements from Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid.