Fundraiser started for victims of Florida bus crash that killed 8, hurt dozens
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Farmworker Association of Florida is raising money for the victims of a bus crash that killed eight people and injured dozens more.
The Florida Highway Patrol said at 6:35 a.m., a bus carrying 53 migrant farm workers crashed with a pickup truck on SR-40 in Marion County.
DUI driver arrested in Florida bus crash that killed 8 people, hospitalized dozens: FHP
Eight of the farm workers were killed at the scene, and 37 workers were hospitalized at various locations. The FHP said eight of the wounded patients are in critical condition as of this report.
“Some of those are also in very serious condition, so there’s high probability this may be beyond eight fatalities,” said Lt. Pat Riordan, public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers arrested the pickup driver, 41-year-old Brian Maclean Howard of Ocala on eight charges of manslaughter.
To assist the victims and their families, the Farmworker Association of Florida started a GoFundMe to help raise $50,000 for them.
“Our consideration in helping these people is greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go to support the victims and their families affected by this terrible accident,” the GoFundMe stated. “Farmworkers tend to be forgotten, but it’s important not to forget farmworkers, especially during such difficult times.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the victims appeared to be in the country legally to help with seasonal agricultural work.
“They’re hard-working individuals,” he said. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with them being here.”
While the nationalities of the workers is not yet known, a post on X from the Mexican Consulate in Orlando said they are presumably Mexican and asked anyone with information on the victims to call 520-623-7874. Other numbers were also made available for Mexican nationals in need of assistance.
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