local

CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Bus Crash that Killed 8 Mexican Farmworkers in Florida: 8 Critically Injured, 37+ Taken to Hospital | GoFundMe Setup, No Bail for Pickup Driver Charged with DUI-Manslaughter [#FloridaBusCrash #OcalaBusCrash #MarionBusCrash #MarionCountyBusCrash #FarmworkerBusCrash #FarmworkersBusCrash]

https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1790430823184761046
Source: CBS News X Account, @CBSNews

GOFUNDMEPAGE – 8 FARMWORKERS DEAD AND OVER DOZEN INJURED AFTER ACCIDENT:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/8-farmworkers-dead-and-over-dozen-injured-after-accident

The Farmworker Association of Florida is organizing a gofundme for farmworkers who were impacted by a tragic accident on May 14, 2024. 53 farmworkers were on board a bus on their way to a watermelon farm for work. Around 6 a.m., the bus collided with a pickup truck, causing it to veer off the road and overturn. As a result, 8 people tragically lost their lives, and over 37 individuals were taken to the hospital. Your consideration in helping these people is greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go to support the victims and their families affected by this terrible accident. Farmworkers tend to be forgotten, but it’s important not to forget farmworkers, especially during such difficult times.

On Wednesday, a court denied bail for Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, of Dunnellon, who was arrested and charged with 8 counts of DUI-manslaughter in connection with Tuesday’s fatal incident in west Marion County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Howard was driving a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck when it collided with a bus carrying farmworkers, killing 8 and critically injuring eight more.

The remaining 37 passengers on the bus were transported to nearby hospitals for observation or treatment of minor injuries.

As of Wednesday afternoon, police have identified at least 6 of the 8 victims.

Their ages vary from 20 to 46.

The FHP said it is working with the Mexican consulate to confirm the victims’ identities and notify their next of kin.

A spokeswoman for Adventhealth Ocala Hospital reported on Wednesday that 14 of the 16 patients who were transported to her facility had been discharged.

The remaining 2 were moved to another hospital.

HCA stated that 7 of the 9 patients it was treating were in serious condition, with the remaining 2stable.

A candlelight vigil for the crash victims is scheduled for 6 PM ET Wednesday at 489 NW 110th Ave.

Cannon Farms in Dunnellon remained closed Wednesday.

That is where the farmworkers were headed to gather watermelons when the accident occurred on Tuesday.

According to a US Department of Labor H-2A Agricultural Clearance Order, Cannon Farms hired laborers to work 6 days a week from May 1 to June 4 for $14.77 per hour.

It is probable that some of the farmworkers on the bus were hired in accordance with the order.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which describes itself as the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer group, stated on Tuesday that “officials have confirmed that the workers had the necessary documentation to be employed in Florida.”

At least eight people were killed and 40 others were taken to local medical facilities after a bus crashed on a Florida highway Tuesday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said. https://t.co/qpRBAMJcLg pic.twitter.com/INEFeifAVD

— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 14, 2024

NEWS SOURCE & LINKS:
Ocala StarBanner

Bus Crash that KILLED 8 FARMWORKERS: 8 CRITICALLY INJURED, 37+ TAKEN TO HOSPITAL | GOFUNDME SETUP… | Christian Breaking News!