How Did 2 People Die in the Winter Haven School Bus Crash in Florida?

Quick answer: Two people, including a 10th-grade student, were killed in a major school bus crash in Winter Haven, central Florida, on Monday morning, 5 October 2026. The bus was carrying 39 people, including 37 high school students, and three other vehicles were also involved.

Key facts

• What: School bus crash involving multiple vehicles
• Where: Lucerne Park Road, Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida
• When: Around 6:15 a.m. on Monday, 5 October 2026
• Reported toll: 2 killed
• Status: National Transportation Safety Board investigation under way

What happened

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the crash happened around 6:15 a.m. The school bus was travelling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road. The impact caused the bus to lose control and tear off a tyre. In addition to the school bus, three other vehicles were involved.

The bus was carrying 39 people, including 37 high school students. Two people were killed, including a 10th-grade student.

Emergency response

The Winter Haven Police Department said Lucerne Park Road was shut down in both directions at US-27.

Winter Haven Hospital confirmed it received 22 patients, including 19 paediatric patients and 3 adults. The hospital said it had treated and released all of them except one paediatric patient. Lakeland Regional Health confirmed it received 10 patients.

An update published on Thursday said that, as of that day, all students who had been hospitalised in the crash had been released.

What happens next

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into the crash. Polk County Public Schools confirmed the school bus did have seatbelts for students.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Winter Haven school bus crash?

Two people, including a 10th-grade student.

Where did the crash happen?

On Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, central Florida, with the road shut in both directions at US-27.

How many people were on the school bus?

The bus was carrying 39 people, including 37 high school students.

What happens next?

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into the crash.