Fatal School Bus Accident on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, FL, Reported October 06, 2026

A 10th-grade girl riding a school bus and the driver of a Jeep were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, Florida, according to details reported on October 6, 2026. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a white Chevrolet Malibu crossed the center line and struck the school bus's rear wheels. The bus overturned, and a tire was torn from it during the crash. Judd described the Malibu's driver as a nursing student. The bus was carrying 37 students, along with the driver and the driver's 9-year-old daughter. Video presented during a news conference showed the inside of the bus as the collision occurred. Judd said the bus driver was wedged inside the overturned vehicle and had to pull herself free. Once she was out, she began helping the students. The sheriff and the school superintendent praised her actions after the crash. Thirty-five people were taken to area hospitals. Three remained hospitalized when the details were reported, and they were expected to make a full recovery. At Winter Haven High School, students and parents expressed sadness over the loss. Their comments emphasized concern for those involved in the crash and their families. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remained ongoing. The available evidence does not establish the crash date; October 6 is the date of the report used for this account.