By Crash News Writer 
Winter Haven, FL (October 6, 2026) – A Winter Haven High School student and a Jeep driver were killed Monday morning in a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus on Lucerne Park Road.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the October 5 crash occurred at approximately 6:13 a.m. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that a westbound white Chevrolet Malibu crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a school bus carrying Winter Haven High School students.
The impact reportedly pushed the bus into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a silver Jeep. The bus then overturned into a ditch, while the Jeep caught fire. The Jeep driver died at the scene. A female 10th-grade student aboard the bus also suffered fatal injuries.
The bus carried 37 students, its driver, and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter. The 36 surviving students were taken from the scene through a combination of ambulances, air transport, another school bus accompanied by a paramedic, and private vehicles. The bus driver and her daughter were also transported to a hospital.
Most of those injured were treated and released Monday. Authorities have not determined why the Malibu crossed into the opposing lane, and the fatal crash remains under investigation.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Crashes involving school buses and multiple vehicles can lead to complicated investigations. When several vehicles are involved, investigators may examine physical evidence, vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness accounts, available video, and other information to determine the sequence of events.
Families affected by a serious or fatal collision may want to preserve medical records, photographs, insurance documents, witness information, and the car accident report. These records may become important as authorities and insurance companies investigate what happened.
Learning about car accident laws in Florida can help victims and families better understand their rights after a serious collision. Someone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Winter Haven may have questions about medical expenses, insurance claims, wrongful death claims, or other losses resulting from a crash.
Cases involving buses may also raise additional questions because multiple parties and insurance policies could be involved. Obtaining the car accident report and preserving available evidence can help families understand the facts surrounding the collision.
Anyone searching for a car accident near me or information about a car accident near Winter Haven should consider speaking with an attorney before accepting an insurance settlement or making other decisions that could affect a potential claim.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on initial reports concerning the October 5 fatal school bus crash in Winter Haven. Information may change as authorities continue their investigation.
- The identities of the student and Jeep driver who died had not been released in the initial report.
- Investigators had not determined why the Chevrolet Malibu crossed into the eastbound lane.
- Most people injured in the collision were reportedly treated and released Monday.
- Readers seeking additional information can review our frequently asked questions in Florida.
- Victims and families can also find information through our accident resources in Florida.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as the investigation progresses. Readers should seek appropriate legal or medical guidance based on their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more through our disclaimer.
Families affected by a fatal collision and people injured in a serious crash should consider speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about their legal options.