2 Dead in School Bus Crash, Including Winter Haven High Student

A Polk County school bus was involved in a multi-vehicle crash Monday morning, killing two people, including a 10th-grade student from Winter Haven High School. The incident occurred on Lucerne Park Road and sent multiple individuals to the hospital.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported the crash happened around 6:15 a.m. in darkness. A westbound white Chevy Malibu crossed the center line and struck the rear wheels of the eastbound school bus, which carried 39 people. The impact caused the bus to lose traction, dislodge a tire and veer into the westbound lane, colliding head-on with a silver Jeep. The Jeep caught fire, and its driver died.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd identified the deceased as the 10th-grade student and the Jeep's driver. The bus was transporting 37 Winter Haven High School students, the bus driver and the driver's 9-year-old daughter. One person remained in critical condition, and up to seven others were taken as trauma alerts.

More than 100 first responders arrived at the scene. Students traveled to hospitals via another school bus, ambulances, airlifts and with family members. The bus driver, her daughter and another adult involved also went to hospitals by ambulance. Two other individuals sought hospital treatment on their own.

Investigators are examining why the Chevy Malibu crossed the center line. Officials stated the driver was cooperating and en route to work. The National Transportation Safety Board is assisting the Polk County Sheriff's Office with a safety investigation. Lucerne Park Road reopened by 2 p.m. Monday.