MARION COUNTY, Fla. – An investigation is underway after an off-duty Gainesville Police Department officer collided with a stopped Marion County school bus early Friday morning, leaving several people injured and traffic snarled in the area.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the incident occurred at approximately 6:55 a.m. as the school bus was traveling southbound on SW 49 Avenue Road. The bus had come to a complete stop at the intersection of SW 82 Place Road to pick up students. Officials confirmed that at the time of the collision, the bus’s flashing safety lights were fully activated and its stop signs were extended, signaling motorists to yield.
Investigators say the off-duty Gainesville officer, who was operating a marked Ford Explorer, was traveling southbound in the same lane directly behind the bus. For reasons currently under investigation, the officer failed to notice the stopped vehicle and slammed into the rear of the bus.
At the time of the crash, there were 12 students on board the bus, along with the 37-year-old bus driver and a 54-year-old bus aide. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to assess the occupants of both vehicles.
Medical personnel transported the bus driver, the bus aide, and one 9-year-old student to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities described their injuries as minor. The Gainesville officer involved in the collision was also transported to a local hospital; however, officials stated the officer sustained very serious injuries in the wreck.
The force of the impact caused significant damage to both the front of the police vehicle and the rear end of the school bus. Debris from the collision forced a temporary closure of SW 49 Avenue Road as FHP crash investigators mapped the scene and collected evidence.
The Gainesville Police Department released a brief statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that one of their officers was involved. The department stated it is cooperating fully with the Florida Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation into why the marked patrol vehicle failed to yield to the school bus.
As of Friday afternoon, authorities had not released the name of the injured officer or the specific circumstances that led to the failure to stop. No charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains active.
School district officials expressed relief that the injuries to the students were not more severe and have stated they are providing support services to the children and staff members involved in the incident. Parents are being advised to expect potential delays in bus routes throughout the area while the investigation concludes and the damaged bus is processed for evidence.
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