Truck sideswipes bus near Dunnellon, with 53 occupants, killing 8, injuring 40

~ Truck driver charged with 8 counts of DUI manslaughter. ~

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Florida Highway Patrol

On Tuesday afternoon, May 14, 2024, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner issued a statement regarding a crash that occurred early this morning, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Marion County, Florida, between an International Bus transporting 53 people and a Ford Ranger truck:

"The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a traffic crash which occurred at approximately 6:35 am, on State Road 40, approximately 500 feet west of SW 148 Court near Dunnellon, Florida. The collision involved a 2010 International Bus, transporting approximately 53 employees of a farming company, and a 2001 Ford Ranger private truck.

Initial investigation reveals that the two vehicles made contact in a sideswipe-type collision. Post collision, the bus traveled off the roadway, through a fence, and then overturned. Currently, eight people have been confirmed deceased, and approximately 40 people have been transported to local medical facilities."

At 1:47 pm today, State Troopers assigned to the FHP Northern Region Specialized Investigations and Reconstruction Team (SIRT) arrested Bryan Maclean Howard, the driver of the private Ford Ranger truck, on criminal charges: eight counts of driving under the influence (DUI) manslaughter.

"Identities of the deceased will be released pending next of kin notification," said Director Kerner. "Our sympathies and prayers are with the families of the deceased. Consistent with our duties, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct both a thorough and exhaustive traffic crash and criminal investigation."