By Crash News Writer 
Winter Haven, FL (October 6, 2026) – Two people, including a 16-year-old high school student, died and dozens of others suffered injuries following a four-vehicle collision involving a school bus in Winter Haven on Monday morning, October 5. The accident occurred while the bus was transporting students to school.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the collision was reported at approximately 6:15 a.m. The school bus was carrying 39 occupants, including 37 high school students, bus driver Jessica Dye, and Dye’s 9-year-old daughter.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, 16, a tenth-grade student riding the bus, and Deshawn Smith, 26, who was driving a Jeep involved in the collision.
Investigators reported that a white Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 23-year-old Maria Jimenez, crossed the center line while traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus. The Malibu struck the bus, causing it to collide head-on with Smith’s silver Jeep.
A fourth vehicle was also involved in the accident.
The impact caused the school bus to overturn, leaving several occupants injured and requiring emergency assistance.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reported that 35 people went to hospitals following the collision. Emergency responders issued between five and seven trauma alerts, and one person was listed in critical condition on Monday.
Three individuals remained hospitalized as of Tuesday, October 6, although officials expected them to be released.
Emergency helicopters transported three students to hospitals, while other injured occupants were taken by ambulance, another school bus, or family members.
Despite suffering injuries and becoming pinned against her seat, Dye freed herself and immediately began helping students escape the overturned bus.
Investigators determined that Dye was traveling within her lane and below the speed limit when the Malibu struck the bus. Smith was also reportedly traveling below the speed limit before the collision.
Jimenez cooperated with investigators and told authorities she could not remember the crash.
Sheriff Judd stated that no criminal charges were being filed at that time.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Winter Haven Police Department, Winter Haven Fire Department, Haines City Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Polk County Public Schools responded to the accident.
Traffic homicide investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal School Bus Accident Today
School bus collisions can cause serious injuries when large numbers of students are traveling together. When a bus overturns or becomes involved in a multi-vehicle accident, passengers may suffer head injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and other conditions requiring extensive medical treatment.
Under car accident laws in Florida, injured individuals may have grounds to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence contributes to a collision. Fatal accidents may also give rise to wrongful death claims involving eligible surviving family members.
If you are searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Winter Haven, understanding Florida’s personal injury laws can help you identify the legal options available following a serious school bus collision.
The official car accident report may contain information about vehicle movements, roadway conditions, witness statements, physical evidence, and the investigating officers’ findings. In collisions involving school buses, investigators may also examine onboard camera footage, available vehicle data, and transportation records.
Florida generally allows two years to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits arising from accidents occurring after March 24, 2023. However, exceptions may apply, and claims involving government entities may require additional notice procedures.
People researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Winter Haven should also understand that Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. In most negligence actions, an injured person found more than 50% responsible for their injuries cannot recover damages, although exceptions apply.
When children suffer injuries in a school bus collision, parents or legal guardians may need to address medical expenses, future treatment needs, and the legal procedures governing injury claims involving minors.
Claims involving public school transportation may also raise questions about governmental liability, sovereign immunity, and insurance coverage. The applicable rules depend on the parties involved and the circumstances of the accident.
Florida’s no-fault insurance system may affect how certain medical expenses are initially covered. However, serious injuries and fatalities may permit additional claims against responsible parties when the applicable legal requirements are met.
In fatal collisions, Florida law generally requires wrongful death claims to be brought by the deceased person’s personal representative on behalf of eligible survivors and the estate.
The car accident report and subsequent investigative findings may help establish the sequence of events and determine whether negligent driving or other circumstances contributed to the collision.
Although investigators reported that the Chevrolet Malibu crossed the center line before striking the school bus, the investigation remained ongoing as of October 6. Any final determination of legal responsibility must be based on the available evidence.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects information released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office through October 6, 2026. Additional findings may become available as investigators complete their examination of the collision.
- Two people died in a four-vehicle accident involving a school bus in Winter Haven on Monday morning, October 5. Authorities identified the victims as 16-year-old Adinaluz Prieto Oyola and 26-year-old Deshawn Smith.
- The school bus was carrying 37 high school students, its driver, and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter when the collision occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m.
- Investigators reported that a Chevrolet Malibu crossed the center line and struck the school bus, causing it to collide head-on with a Jeep before overturning.
- Authorities reported that 35 people went to hospitals following the collision. Three individuals remained hospitalized as of October 6 and were expected to be released.
- Investigators stated that the school bus driver and Jeep driver were traveling below the speed limit. No criminal charges had been filed as of the October 6 update. Readers seeking information about school bus accidents and injury claims can review our frequently asked questions in Florida.
- The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the collision. Families affected by serious school transportation accidents can explore accident resources in Florida for additional information and assistance.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on this information. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
Families dealing with serious injuries or the death of a loved one after a school bus collision may face medical expenses, long-term treatment decisions, and questions about who is legally responsible. A Florida personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances, explain how school transportation and insurance laws may affect a claim, and discuss the compensation that may be available.