The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested the driver of a pickup truck that crashed into a farmworker bus, killing eight, on charges of driving under the influence-manslaughter.
Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, faces eight counts of DUI-Manslaughter, the FHP said in a statement. No further details were released, including what substance allegedly left Howard impaired.
Troopers said he was driving the 2001 Ford Ranger when it crossed into the centre line on State Road 40, a straight but somewhat hilly two-lane road that passes through horse farms.
The truck sideswiped the bus, causing it to veer off the road.
It crashed through a fence and into a tree before overturning. In addition to the eight killed, at least 40 were injured.
It was not immediately known if Howard has an attorney, and no phone numbers for family members could be found. According to state records, Howard has previous arrests for driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident and marijuana possession.
The bus was transporting 53 farmworkers when the accident happened in Marion County, north of Orlando, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The workers were being taken to Cannon Farms in Dunellon, which has been harvesting watermelons.
Photos taken by the Ocala Star-Banner at the scene show the bus lying on its side with both its emergency rear door and top hatch open.
The truck that hit it shows extensive damage to its driver's side.
There is no immediate indication that weather was a factor.
"We will be closed today out of respect to the losses and injuries endured early this morning in the accident that took place to the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp," Cannon Farms announced on its Facebook page.
"Please pray with us for the families and the loved ones involved in this tragic accident.
"We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time."
Cannon Farms describes itself as a family owned commercial farming operation that has farmed its land for more than 100 years, focusing now on peanuts and watermelons, which it sends to grocery stores across the US and Canada.
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