Florida School Bus Accident Today: 2 Dead After Polk County Bus Crash on Lucerne Park Road
WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA — A major school bus crash in Polk County turned deadly Monday morning, October 5, 2026, after a multi-vehicle collision on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven.
The crash happened shortly after 6 a.m. near the Brookhaven Village area, west of Jacaranda Avenue and about 1½ miles from U.S. 27. The collision involved a Polk County Public Schools bus carrying students to Winter Haven High School.
Lucerne Park Road was closed in both directions as police, firefighters, medical crews and investigators responded to the scene. The closure extended between Old Lucerne Park Road and the Walmart Distribution Center.
Two People Killed in Winter Haven School Bus Crash
Authorities later confirmed that two people died as a result of the collision.
One of the victims was a 10th-grade female student who was riding on the school bus. The second fatality was the driver of a silver Jeep involved in the crash.
The school bus was carrying 39 people at the time of the collision, including 37 students, the bus driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter.
Several people were transported to hospitals following the crash, with emergency crews using ambulances, medical helicopters and other transportation to move injured patients from the scene.
Officials said at least one patient remained in critical condition while others were being treated for injuries.
What Happened on Lucerne Park Road?
Preliminary information released by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd indicated that the school bus was traveling eastbound in its lane when a westbound white Chevrolet Malibu crossed the center line.
The Malibu struck the rear portion of the school bus, causing the bus to lose traction and cross into the opposite lane. The bus subsequently collided with a silver Jeep before overturning into a ditch.
Another passenger vehicle was also involved, bringing the crash to multiple vehicles in addition to the school bus.
Investigators were still working to establish why the Chevrolet Malibu crossed into opposing traffic.
Lucerne Park Road Closed in Both Directions
The crash caused a major traffic disruption in Winter Haven.
Lucerne Park Road was closed in both directions between Old Lucerne Park Road and the Walmart Distribution Center while emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators examined the collision.
Florida’s official traffic-alert system reported the closure along SR 544/Lucerne Park Road and advised motorists to seek alternate routes.
Drivers were urged to avoid the affected section of Lucerne Park Road and allow additional travel time.
School District Responds to Fatal Crash
Polk County Public Schools confirmed that one of its buses was involved in the collision.
School Superintendent Fred Heid said district personnel were sent to hospitals to assist students and their families. Officials also worked to contact the families of students involved and provide support following the crash.
The school district indicated that emergency preparedness and evacuation training had helped students respond during the chaotic aftermath of the collision.
The death of a Winter Haven High School student has added a profound loss to the school community.
