8 killed when bus carrying 53 farmworkers crashes, 'high probability' for more deaths

Thirty-eight people were hurt, including eight in critical condition.

May 14, 2024, 5:06 PM

Eight people were killed when a bus carrying about 53 farmworkers was hit by a truck and overturned on West Highway 40 in central Florida, according to state officials.

The truck driver, Bryan Maclean Howard, was arrested on eight counts of driving under the influence-manslaughter, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

PHOTO: Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Marion County Fire Rescue

Thirty-eight people were hurt, eight of whom are in critical condition and 30 who have non-life-threatening injuries, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.

There's a "high probability this may be beyond eight fatalities," Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Patrick Riordan, told reporters.

Howard was among those hospitalized, officials said.

PHOTO: Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Marion County Fire Rescue

Around 6:35 a.m., the 2010 International Bus and Howard's 2001 Ford Ranger truck were heading opposite directions when the truck veered toward the center line and the vehicles collided "in a sideswiped manner," officials said.

The bus veered off West Highway 40, went through a fence and then overturned, officials said.

PHOTO: Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Marion County Fire Rescue
PHOTO: Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Florida Highway Patrol and Fire Rescue is currently investigating a fatal bus crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, Marion County Florida, May 14, 2024.
Marion County Fire Rescue

The bus was en route to a farm in the area at the time of the crash, Riordan said.

Some of the farm workers involved in the crash were Mexican, according to Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Bárcena. The Mexican consulate in Orlando said it is helping support those affected.

PHOTO: A severe bus accident with fatalities, May 14, 2024, in Marion County Florida.
A severe bus accident with fatalities, May 14, 2024, in Marion County Florida.
Marion County Sheriff's Office
PHOTO: At least eight people were killed when a bus crashed in Marion County, Fla., on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
At least eight people were killed when a bus crashed in Marion County, Fla., on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
WFTS

ABC News' Juwon Funes contributed to this report.