8 Dead, 45 Injured in Road Crash Involving Truck and 53-Seater Bus

 

a plunged bus in a river

Pain and sorrow grip the families of 53 agricultural workers following a devastating accident during their journey to the farm. Members of the National Police stand near a bus which plunged into a shallow river (Photo for illustration). The accident happened in Central North Florida, US.  The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 14, in Central North Florida, United States.  CNN reported that eight individuals lost their lives immediately, while over 40 others were hurried to nearby medical facilities, with an additional eight in critical condition. “There’s a high probability this may be beyond eight fatalities since some of the injured, including the driver of the pickup truck, are in very serious condition," said the fire rescue team. "Our condolences and prayers are with the families of the deceased. In line with our responsibilities, the Florida Highway Patrol will carry out a comprehensive investigation into the traffic crash and criminal aspects," added Dave Kerner, the executive director of the highway safety department. What led to the Florida accident? According to police reports, a collision involved a 2010 International Bus carrying around 53 farm workers and a 2001 Ford Ranger. The vehicles sideswiped each other, causing the Ford Ranger to drift towards the centre line, resulting in the collision.  This impact caused the bus to veer off the road, crashing into a fence and overturning. Marion county representative at the scene speculates that the 53 individuals involved may have been migrant workers seeking employment abroad to provide sole support for their families. "We are a large agricultural county. During this season, we always have migrant workers in our county, traveling on buses like this. These individuals are good people who have now lost their primary support of their family,” said a Marion county representative. Meanwhile, the driver of the private Ford Ranger truck was arrested hours after the accident and charged. 14 Indians killed as billboard collapses In India, 14 people were confirmed dead after a huge billboard collapsed following strong winds. The billboard fell on several cars, houses and a petrol station. The authorities said they experienced a challenge in rescuing those who were trapped at the petrol station due to fear of an explosion. 

by  Nancy Odindo