A 10th grade Winter Haven High School student and another person were killed Monday morning in a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Polk County, Florida. The collision occurred at about 6:15 a.m. on a two-lane road near Winter Haven after a white Chevy Malibu crossed the lane divide. Several people were injured and taken to hospitals, with one person reported in critical condition.
The school bus was carrying 37 students, its driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter. Investigators said the Malibu struck the rear wheels of the bus, causing it to enter oncoming traffic and collide head-on with a silver Jeep.
Authorities said the Malibu driver was cooperating with investigators and had not been arrested as of a Monday news conference. The circumstances surrounding the crash remained under investigation.
The deaths were confirmed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which also coordinated emergency responses involving helicopters, ambulances and private vehicles.
| 1) | Crash kills two people, including a student |
| 2) | Vehicle movements led to the collision |
| 3) | Students and other occupants were aboard |
| 4) | Emergency crews treated injured people |
| 5) | Investigation into the crash remains active |
Crash kills two people, including a student
The crash killed two people on Monday morning in Polk County. One victim was a 10th grade student at Winter Haven High School. Authorities had not publicly identified the student at the time of the news conference. The second victim was inside a silver Jeep involved in the collision.
The crash involved the school bus and three other vehicles. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene as severe and said the student was among those who lost their lives.
“It was a horrible crash. It was a terrible, tragic morning. We had a beautiful 10th grade girl lose her life.”
Vehicle movements led to the collision
According to investigators, the incident began when a white Chevy Malibu crossed the lane divide on a two-lane road near Winter Haven. The Malibu struck the rear wheels of the school bus, ripping off one of its tires.
The impact caused the bus to move into oncoming traffic. It then collided head-on with the Jeep. The sequence resulted in a rollover-related school bus crash and multiple injuries. Authorities did not announce a final cause for why the Malibu crossed the divide.
Students and other occupants were aboard
The bus was carrying 37 students when the crash occurred, along with the driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter. The students were traveling on the bus during the early morning trip when the collision took place.
The crash affected occupants of several vehicles, not only those on the bus. Multiple people required medical evaluation, and authorities said the injuries ranged in severity. One person remained in critical condition after the initial response.
Emergency crews treated injured people
Between five and seven people were taken to local hospitals with trauma alerts, according to the sheriff. Emergency responders used helicopters, ambulances and private vehicles to transport the injured from the crash scene.
The response involved law enforcement and medical personnel working at the scene and at area hospitals. Officials confirmed the fatalities and injury count during a Monday news conference while medical treatment continued.
Investigation into the crash remains active
The driver of the Chevy Malibu told authorities that the person was traveling to work and was cooperating with investigators. No arrest had been announced as of Monday afternoon.
Investigators will determine how the Malibu crossed the lane divide and assess the circumstances surrounding the impacts. Authorities had not released the identities of the victims or announced whether any charges would follow.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two people died, including a Winter Haven High School student. |
| 2 | The crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. near Winter Haven. |
| 3 | The bus carried 37 students, its driver and the driver’s daughter. |
| 4 | Several injured people were transported to hospitals, with one in critical condition. |
| 5 | The Malibu driver was cooperating with investigators and had not been arrested. |
Summary
The Polk County crash resulted in two deaths, including a high school student, and injuries to multiple people. Investigators said a Chevy Malibu crossed into the bus’s path, setting off a chain of collisions. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials had not announced charges or released the victims’ identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the crash occur?
It occurred on a two-lane road near Winter Haven in Polk County, Florida.
How many people died?
Two people died. One was a 10th grade Winter Haven High School student, and the other was in a silver Jeep.
Was anyone arrested?
No arrest had been announced. Authorities said the Chevy Malibu driver was cooperating with investigators.