Overview
- The Maplewood Elementary bus crash at State Road 40 and SE 177th Avenue, which happened Wednesday around 2:45 p.m., shut down SR-40 between SE 176th Court and SE 183rd Court.
- Firefighters used hydraulic tools to free the 76-year-old pickup driver, who was taken to a hospital as a trauma alert and later died, according to officials.
- Four students ages 5 to 10, a bus aide, and the driver were on the bus and were not injured, Marion County Fire Rescue said.
- An initial Florida Highway Patrol report says the bus driver failed to yield while turning left onto SE 177th Avenue, and the investigation remains open.
- Marion County Public Schools removed the 11-year bus driver from driving duties pending the FHP findings, expects an initial report within 5 to 10 days, and has counselors available for students.