A three-vehicle collision in Marion County, Florida, led to 15 individuals being hospitalized on Tuesday, November 29, 2023.
The incident, occurring at the intersection of Southwest 80th Avenue and Southwest 90th Street, involved an ambulance, a pickup truck, and a bus transporting special needs adults.
Around 9 a.m., a Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) ambulance, with sirens active, was responding to a medical call. As it crossed the intersection, it was struck first by a bus, which failed to yield, and then by a pickup truck. The impact caused the ambulance to flip onto its side.
Among the hospitalized were two MCFR firefighters, who sustained minor injuries and were transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center. The bus, belonging to Bridge To Hope Community Education Center in Ocala, was carrying 11 special needs adults, eight of whom were taken to the hospital as a precaution and three with minor injuries. The conditions of the bus and truck drivers have not been disclosed.
The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the crash. As of now, no charges have been filed in relation to the incident. In the aftermath of the event, the MCFR issued a reminder to the public about the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles, particularly when they are operating with activated lights and sirens.
