MARION COUNTY, Fla. -The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a traffic crash that occurred at 6:53 a.m. Tuesday on SR-40, approximately 500 feet west of SW 148 Court.
The collision involved a 2010 International Bus transporting approximately 53 farm workers and a 2001 Ford Ranger truck.
For reasons to be determined, the two vehicles collided in a sideswiped manner.
Read: Woman Struck By Truck And Motorcycle On SR-52 In Pasco County
Following the impact, the bus traveled off the roadway through a fence and then overturned.
Currently eight people have been confirmed deceased and approximately 40 people have been transported to local medical facilities.
The workers were being transported to Cannon Farms in Dunellon, which has been harvesting watermelons.
“We will be closed today out of respect to the losses and injuries endured early this morning in the accident that took place to the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp.,” Cannon Farms announced on its Facebook page. “Please pray with us for the families and the loved ones involved in this tragic accident. We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time.”
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