MARION COUNTY, Fla. — State Road 40 in Marion County is closed between U.S. 41 and West County Road 328 between Ocala and Dunnellon due to a multi-fatality traffic crash on Tuesday, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
The crash involving at least one or more large buses occurred around 6:30 a.m. Officials said migrant workers were headed west on Highway 40 to a watermelon farm.
Marion County Public Safety Information Manager James Lucas confirmed that:
- 53 people were onboard
- Eight fatalities
- Eight additional trauma alerts
- 38 additional transported to area hospitals
A Marion County School bus was also used to take those less injured to other hospitals.
The Florida Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash.
FHP officials ask drivers to avoid the area.
For motorists wishing to head eastbound on State Road 40, FHP suggests taking U.S. 41 northbound to West County Road 328, then take West County Road 328 eastbound back to State Road 40.
For motorists wishing to head westbound on State Road 40, FHP suggests taking West County Road 328 westbound to U.S. 41, then take U.S. 41 southbound back to State Road 40.