Two people were killed and multiple others were injured after a major multi-vehicle crash involving a Polk County Public Schools bus in Winter Haven on Monday morning, according to law enforcement officials. The deadly collision occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Lucerne Park Road, also known as State Road 544, when a westbound white Chevy Malibu drifted across the center line and struck the rear of the eastbound school bus, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Morning Crash on Lucerne Park Road Involves School Bus and Multiple Vehicles
The impact from the white Chevy Malibu ripped a tire off the school bus, causing it to lose control, cross into the westbound lane, and collide head-on with a silver Jeep that ultimately caught fire, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The crash took place about one and a half miles off Highway 27. In addition to the school bus, the Chevy Malibu, and the silver Jeep, at least one other vehicle was involved behind the crash scene, bringing the total number of involved vehicles to four. The school bus ultimately overturned and came to rest in a ditch beside the road, with its front end severely damaged and missing a rear tire, as reported by Bay News 9.
At the time of the collision, the school bus was carrying 39 people. This included 37 high school students on their way to Winter Haven High School, the school bus driver, and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter. Between five and seven people were transported as trauma alerts to area hospitals—including Arnold Palmer for Children—via helicopters, ambulances, and private vehicles, while other students were driven by private vehicle because they were high schoolers. One person remains in critical condition, while others were treated or released.
Two Fatalities Confirmed as Sheriff Calls Incident a Horrific Tragedy
Authorities confirmed that two people died as a result of the crash: a 10th-grade female student riding on the school bus and an individual inside the silver Jeep. Polk County Public Schools stated the accident claimed the life of a Winter Haven High student and another motorist
, calling it devastating news for WHHS and our community
. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the incident during a press conference as the most horrific bus tragedy in the county in decades. It was a horrible crash,
Judd said. Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid noted that student emergency evacuation drills helped prevent further severe injuries. Governor Ron DeSantis’s office released a statement confirming the governor had been briefed and offered state resources.
Did You Know? The school bus involved in the Monday morning crash was carrying a total of 39 occupants, consisting of 37 students headed to Winter Haven High School, the driver, and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter.
First responders close roadway for hours of investigation
More than 100 first responders rushed to the scene. Officials stated that the roadway closure is expected to last for a significant amount of time, with a minimum expected duration of four to five hours, prompting law enforcement to ask drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Sheriff Judd noted that the investigation remains preliminary because the crash occurred before sunrise while it was still dark outside.
The driver of the Chevy Malibu was traveling to work at the time of the crash. Law enforcement stated the driver is cooperating and has not been arrested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the school bus crash happen in Winter Haven?
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that the multi-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Monday morning while it was still dark outside. Sheriff Judd specified the time of the crash as 6:13 a.m.
How many vehicles and people were involved in the collision?
Four vehicles were involved, including a Polk County Public Schools bus, a white Chevy Malibu, a silver Jeep, and at least one other vehicle. A total of 39 people were on board the school bus.
Which roads are currently closed due to the investigation?
Lucerne Park Road (State Road 544) is shut down in both directions from Old Lucerne Park Road to the Walmart Distribution Center near US-27, with closures expected to last for an extended period.