Driver Arrested for DUI Manslaughter in Fatal Farmworker Bus Crash in Ocala

Tragic Crash in Ocala Leaves Eight Dead, Dozens Injured

OCALA — A devastating crash in Ocala early Tuesday morning has left eight people dead and at least 40 others injured. The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested the driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash, Bryan Maclean Howard, on charges of DUI manslaughter.

According to the FHP, Howard was driving a 2001 Ford Ranger when it crossed into the center line on State Road 40, colliding with a farmworker bus. The bus veered off the road, crashed through a fence, and overturned, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives.

Howard, 41, faces eight counts of DUI manslaughter, but details about the substance that impaired him have not been released. This is not Howard’s first brush with the law, as he has a criminal record dating back to 2009, including charges of driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of a crash.

The crash occurred in Marion County, about 80 miles north of Orlando, as the farmworkers were on their way to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon. The bus ended up on its side with shattered windows, while the truck sustained extensive damage on the driver’s side.

Federal statistics show that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of job-related deaths among farmworkers, with 81 out of 171 fatalities in 2022. The bus did not have seat belts, and authorities are investigating if all the workers on the bus were migrants.

The Labor Department recently announced new seat belt requirements for employer vehicles used for farmworkers, which will take effect in June. However, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has opposed this requirement, calling it impractical.

Cannon Farms, where the workers were headed, expressed condolences for the tragic accident and announced that they would be closed for the day. The company, which has been in operation for over 100 years, focuses on growing peanuts and watermelons.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by the Farmworker Association of Florida to support the victims and their families, raising funds to help them during this difficult time. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter laws to protect farmworkers and ensure their safety during transportation.

The community is coming together to support the victims and their families during this challenging time. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident.