POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a school bus carrying students from Bella City Elementary School was involved in a crash this afternoon on U.S. Highway 27.
A school bus, heading north on U.S. 27 around 1:15 pm, was struck on its driver’s side by a Lexus that was attempting to turn east onto Ronald Reagan Parkway. The Lexus subsequently became disabled in the turn lane, which was the only lane blocked, but the vehicle has since been towed, and the lane is now clear.
The school bus was returning to Bella City Elementary School from a field trip when the incident occurred, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
After the crash, the bus pulled into a gas station where all 30 students on board were checked for injuries. One child complained of back pain and was transported by EMS to a local hospital for evaluation.
Due to damage sustained, the school bus was towed from the scene.
The students were transferred onto a replacement bus that came to collect them, and they were then transported back to Bella City Elementary School. Following the investigation, the driver of the Lexus was issued a citation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for failure to yield the right of way.
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