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Fired Florida School Bus Driver Charged in Near-Miss Train Crash, Released on Bond

Onboard video now anchors the investigation.

Overview

  • Yvonne Hampton, 67, left the Sumter County jail Tuesday after a judge set about $30,000 in total bond and ordered no contact with bus riders or a return to school grounds.
  • Deputies charged her with 29 counts of child neglect tied to each student and two misdemeanors for reckless driving and culpable negligence, according to the sheriff’s office and court records.
  • Investigators say interior bus video shows the driver entering the crossing after warning lights activated and arms began to lower as a student yelled, “A train is coming.”
  • The April 2 crash in Bushnell clipped the rear of Bus 2517 carrying about 29 students and a bus aide, and officials reported no physical injuries.
  • The school district fired the driver and pulled the East Central Avenue–North Market Street crossing from routes, noting the site lacks red lights and leaves little room for a bus beyond the tracks.