Charter Buses Carrying 91 Students Collide In Polk County: School

LAKELAND, FL — Two charter buses carrying 91 Pepin academy students and 15 staff members collided on their way to Orlando during a morning field trip, according to school officials.

Sgt. Steve Gaskins of Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred in the area of Rockridge Road and Dean Still Road around 10:15 a.m. in Polk County.

FHP initially said 15 students reported minor injuries. But in a later update, the agency said that a total of 34 students and three adults were taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with minor injuries.

The students were from the school's Pasco County campus in Port Richey. The campus is located at 9804 Little Rd.

According to FHP, the two charter buses were following a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was pulling a trailer.

The trailer's rear turn signal light was not functioning properly as the pickup turned into a driveway.

The first bus driver, identified as 53-year-old Christopher Gasque of Zephyrhills, stopped suddenly to avoid striking the pickup. But the second bus driver, identified as 56-year-old Michaela Stuckey of Tampa, crashed into the rear of the other bus. Stuckey was cited for careless driving, according to FHP.

The driver of the pickup was identified as 43-year-old Steven Collins of Lakeland. He was cited for operating the pickup with improper or defective equipment.

"Parents are currently being notified of the situation and medical personnel are assessing each individual," the school said on its Facebook page.

Academy officials said that Polk County Public Schools sent buses to take students and staff members to a fire station until alternate transportation could be arranged.

"While this incident is currently unfolding, we thank you for your patience," school officials said. "We will continue to update our community as more information becomes available."