At least eight people were killed and 45 others were injured when a bus carrying migrant workers to a watermelon farm overturned on a Florida highway after a fiery crash Tuesday morning, according to CNN.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the bus, “which was carrying approximately 53 agricultural workers,” and a Ford Ranger truck collided violently around 6:35 a.m. in Marion County, north of Orlando.
The bus then left the road, went over a fence and overturned in a field.
The workers were on their way to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, where they harvest watermelons.
Eight people died at the scene, and 45 injured were taken to hospital, eight of them in critical condition, according to authorities.
They also expect additional deaths, Lt. Patrick Riordan, of the Florida Highway Patrol, revealed during a press conference.
He told CNN that the driver of the Ford Ranger pickup truck was in “extremely serious condition.”
A large-scale “road murder” investigation is underway.
“We have a full team, and more, here on stage,” Mr. Riordan said.
Cannon Farms announced on its Facebook page that it will close its doors on Tuesday out of respect for the losses and injuries sustained in the accident.
“Please pray with us for the families and loved ones involved in this tragic accident. She expressed her thanks for your understanding during these difficult times.
Cannon Farms describes itself as a commercial and family farming operation currently focused on peanut and watermelon production.
They ship their goods throughout the United States and Canada.
More details to come…
