(NewsNation) — Eight people died and at least 40 others were injured after a crash on a highway in west Marion County, Florida Tuesday morning.
Lt. Pat Riordan, a public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, cautioned that because some of the people injured are in “very serious condition,” there’s a possibility there may be more deaths.
The Florida Highway Patrol, which is currently investigating, said the crash happened on West Highway 40 just west of Southwest 148 Court,which is north of Orlando, at 6:35 a.m.
SR-40 is currently closed from Southwest 180th Avenue Road to Southwest 140th Avenue, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
NewsNation local affiliate WFLA reported that a 2010 International bus, which carried 53 farm workers being transported to Cannon Farms in Dunellon, and a Ford Ranger truck sideswiped each other causing the bus to swerve off the road.
Among those taken to the hospital with serious injuries was the driver of the pickup truck.
Cannon Farms announced on Facebook that it would be closed Tuesday in light of the crash.
“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 said.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the workers on the bus were migrants and “hard-working individuals,” WFLA wrote.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook that the accident did not involve a Marion County Public Schools bus. A spokesperson for the district told WFLA they sent a school bus to the scene to take patients for treatment.
While the crash is being probed as a traffic homicide, it could take six months for the highway control to complete its investigation, Riordan said. The bus itself is also being inspected.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.
NewsNation local affiliate WFLA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.