Florida trucker is arrested for drink driving and faces manslaughter charges after collision with bus killed eight and injured 40 in horror smash

A Florida truck driver has been arrested for driving under the influence after a horror crash that left eight people dead and at least 40 others injured.

The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning in Dunnellon, Marion County.

The bus was transporting 53 workers to a watermelon farm, which officials said was the case Gun farmswhen it crashed with a Ford Ranger truck.

The collision sent the bus off the road and through a fence where it rolled over, killing eight passengers and injuring at least 40 others.

Police arrested Bryan Maclean Howard, the driver of the truck, on eight charges of DUI manslaughter Tuesday afternoon.

A horror crash in Florida involving a bus left at least eight people dead, eight others in critical condition and at least 37 people hospitalized.

The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning in Dunnellon, Marion County

It is unclear what caused the crash, although aerial footage showed a crumpled gray pickup truck also reportedly involved in the incident.

FLHSMV Director Dave Kerner said, “Initial investigation indicates the two vehicles collided in a side impact collision.

‘After the collision, the bus left the roadway, went through a fence, and then overturned. Currently, eight people are confirmed dead and approximately 40 people have been transported to local medical facilities.

“The identity of the deceased will be released pending notification of next of kin. Our condolences and prayers are with the families of the deceased.

“Consistent with our duties, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct both a thorough and comprehensive traffic accident investigation and criminal investigation.”

Officials said the workers were employed by a private company and the company’s owner was among those transported to the hospital OCALA.

Of the estimated 40 injured, 37 were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eight of them were in critical condition.

Early reports incorrectly indicated that the crash involved schoolchildren, but authorities clarified that a Marion County Public Schools bus was used to transport injured people from the crash scene to the hospital.

Crews from Marion County Fire Rescue and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office help victims of the horror crash Tuesday morning

Officials said the bus was headed to Cannon Farms, about 15 miles from the crash site

Officials said 53 ‘migrant workers’ traveled by bus to a watermelon farm before it collapsed

Footage showed a crumpled gray pickup truck that was also reportedly involved in the incident. The driver was also taken to hospital in serious condition.

Florida officials have closed portions of State Road 40 West as they deal with the fatal wreck.

Numerous law enforcement agencies are on the scene and officials said the investigation is being led by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Cannon Farms, the intended destination, said on Facebook after the crash: “We will be closed today out of respect for the losses and injuries we suffered early this morning in the accident that occurred at the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp.

“Please join us in praying for the families and loved ones involved in this tragic accident. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.’

It is unclear what caused the fatal wreck, which reportedly also involved a pickup truck

Florida officials closed portions of State Road 40 West as they worked the fatal wreck

Olvera Trucking, the owner of the bus involved in the wreck, had recently offered a job as a temporary driver for bus crews to watermelon farms.

The position also included operating harvesting equipment and paid $14.77 per hour.

The Associated Press found that a Department of Labor document shows Olvera recently requested 43 H-2A workers to harvest watermelons at Cannon Farms this month.

The company again offered a base rate of $14.77 per hour, with promises of housing and transportation to and from the fields.

The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or agents who meet certain legal requirements to bring foreigners into the country to fill temporary agricultural jobs.

According to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida farms employ more H-2A workers than any other state, about 50,000 per year.