Fatal School Bus Accident on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, Florida, October 05, 2026

Two people died and dozens were hospitalized after a head-on crash involving a Polk County school bus, a car and a Jeep on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, Florida. The multi-vehicle collision occurred Monday morning, October 5, 2026, in Polk County. One of those killed was Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, a 10th-grade student at Winter Haven High School. She was aboard the school bus with 36 other students. Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid said Prieto Oyola had previously attended Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. He remembered her as a student appreciated by her teachers and friends. Heid also said she had been scheduled to begin cheerleading practice. Former schoolmate Valeria Garcia recalled Prieto Oyola's humor and the support she offered people around her. Garcia described a friend who helped others feel included and remained attentive to them during difficult moments. Her recollections reflected the personal loss felt by those who had known Prieto Oyola at school. Several students attempted to help Prieto Oyola after the collision. Video recorded at the scene showed four students trying to rescue her from the bus. One of them reassured her that he would stay with her during the effort. Classmates, teachers and friends were mourning Prieto Oyola as her family prepared for her funeral. Donations to assist the affected families with funeral expenses could be made through Polk Sheriff's Charities. Authorities had not released final investigative conclusions about the cause of the crash.