Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd updated the public on the investigation following Monday’s fatal school bus collision in Winter Haven:
Key Details & Casualties
- Fatalities: Two people were killed in the crash — a 10th-grade girl who attended Winter Haven High School and 26-year-old Deshawn Smith, who was driving his Jeep to work within the speed limit when the crash occurred.
- Injuries: Of the 35 surviving passengers aboard the school bus, three remain hospitalized as of Tuesday but are expected to make a full recovery.
Crash Dynamics & Investigation
- Incident Sequence: The collision involved multiple vehicles (including the school bus, an SUV, and a Jeep). The school bus crossed into the oncoming lane and ultimately overturned.
- Contributing Factors: Wet road conditions from rain are being evaluated as a potential factor in the crash.
- Federal Oversight: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened a formal safety investigation into the incident alongside local law enforcement.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
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