At least eight people were killed and 45 injured when a bus carrying migrant workers to a watermelon farm overturned on a Florida state highway Tuesday morning, according to CNN.
“A bus carrying approximately 53 farm workers” and a Ford Ranger truck collided around 6:35 a.m. in Marion County, north of Orlando, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Then the bus left the road and went through a fence and overturned in a field.
Workers were on their way to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon harvesting watermelons.
Eight people died on the spot and 45 injured were taken to hospital, eight of whom were in a critical condition, officials said.
They expect more deaths, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Patrick Rioten revealed during a press conference.
He told CNN News that the driver of the Ford Ranger pickup truck was “in very bad shape.”
A major investigation into “a road kill” is set up.
“We have a full team, and are here on stage,” Mr. Riordan said.
Cannon Farms announced on its Facebook page that Tuesday will be closed to honor the losses and injuries caused in the accident.
“Please pray with us for the families and loved ones affected by this tragic accident. We thank you for your understanding during these difficult times,” he shared.
Cannon Farms describes itself as a family-owned commercial farming operation currently focused on peanut and watermelon production.
Their cargo ships throughout the United States and Canada.
More details to come…
