The devastating bus crash that happened on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of eight migrant farm workers and injured dozens more, was caused by a drunk driver.
At the center of this tragic incident was Bryan Maclean Howard, the driver of a Ford Ranger pickup truck who now faces serious charges for his role in the crash.
At 6:37 am, a bus was transporting a group of 53 migrant farm workers to their workplace at Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, Florida. As the bus traveled westbound on State Highway 40, a pickup truck driven by Bryan Maclean Howard approached from the opposite direction.
Related: 8 Dead, At Least 40 Injured In Florida Farm Worker Bus Crash
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Howard’s vehicle drifted close to the center line, ultimately sideswiping the bus. The impact caused the bus to veer off the road, strike a tree, and flip over. The scene that unfolded was nothing short of horrific, with the mangled remains of the bus and the surrounding chaos leaving first responders and witnesses shaken.
The toll of the Ocala bus crash was staggering. Eight people were confirmed dead at the scene, and Lt. Patrick Riordan of the FHP expressed a “high probability” that the death toll could rise even further as the investigation progressed. More than 40 individuals were hospitalized, with many suffering from critical injuries.
The victims were predominantly migrant farm workers, a vulnerable population that often faces challenging living and working conditions. The loss of these hardworking individuals was a devastating blow to their families and the broader agricultural community that relied on their labor.
As the investigation into the crash unfolded, authorities quickly zeroed in on the driver of the pickup truck, Bryan Maclean Howard. FHP troopers arrested Howard at 1:47 pm on the day of the incident, charging him with eight counts of driving under the influence (DUI) resulting in manslaughter.
Read: Tampa Woman Charged With DUI After Hitting Highway Work Truck In Clearwater
The Florida Highway Patrol has made it clear that the investigation into the Ocala bus crash will be a lengthy and meticulous process. Lt. Riordan stated that it could take up to six months to conclude the investigation and determine the precise chain of events that led to the collision.
Investigators will meticulously examine the physical evidence, including the condition of the vehicles, the skid marks on the road, and any other relevant data.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.