(Photos: Marion County Fire Rescue)
A tragic bus accident early Tuesday morning has left eight people dead and 38 others injured. The incident occurred at the intersection of West Highway 40 and SW 148th Court in Marion County, Florida.
At 6:37 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) units were dispatched following reports of a bus rollover. Meadowood Farms Station #12 arrived on the scene at 6:46 a.m. to find the bus overturned. Engine 12 quickly established command and declared a Mass Casualty Incident, requesting additional resources to handle the situation.
According to MCFR, the bus veered off the road and rolled over, resulting in a devastating scene. Paramedics on site confirmed that eight individuals had died. The remaining 38 passengers were transported to local hospitals, with eight in critical condition and 30 sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
“Today, we faced a tragic incident on West Highway 40 in Ocala with a devastating bus wreck. It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the loss of eight lives,” stated Fire Chief James Banta. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the 35 MCFR units that promptly responded to the emergency. I also want to thank our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, HCA Ocala, Advent Health Ocala, and the Marion County Public School system for their invaluable assistance in transporting 45 patients to local hospitals. Their coordinated efforts were crucial in managing this crisis.”
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims pending notification of their families. The community mourns this tragic loss as emergency responders and local officials work diligently to support those affected by the accident.
