A Florida truck driver faces drink driving and manslaughter charges after he rammed into a bus, killing eight passengers and at least 40 others injured.
Of the estimated 40 people injured, 37 were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eight were listed as in critical condition.
The crash occurred in Dunnellon, Marion County, on Tuesday morning at around 6:30am.
The bus was carrying 53 workers to a watermelon farm, which officials confirmed was Cannon Farms, when it collided with a Ford Ranger truck.
The bus was sent flying off the road and through a fence where it rolled over.
Police have arrested Bryan Maclean Howard, the driver of the truck, on Tuesday afternoon on eight charges of driving under the influence manslaughter.
FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said: ‘Initial investigation reveals that the two vehicles made contact in a sideswipe type collision.
‘Post collision, the bus traveled off the roadway, through a fence, and then overturned. Currently, eight people have been confirmed deceased and approximately 40 people have been transported to local medical facilities.
‘Identities of the deceased will be released pending next of kin notification. Our sympathies and prayers are with the families of the deceased.
‘Consistent with our duties, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct both a thorough and exhaustive traffic crash and criminal investigation.’
Officials said the workers were employed by a private company, and the owner of the company was among those transported to hospital, per OCALA.Â
