Bushnell – BUSHNELL, Fla. — News 6 confirmed A train collided with the back of a school bus carrying nearly 30 students in central Florida, frightening those on board but leaving no one physically injured.
The crash happened Thursday in Bushnell, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Sumter County School District Superintendent Logan Brown says the train clipped the back of the bus and the driver is no longer employed with the district as of Thursday. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is now confirming the driver was cited the same day of the crash for failing to stop at a railroad crossing.
Students described a chaotic and terrifying moment as the train approached.
“I hear someone yell ‘Train,’” said 14-year-old Isabelle Sinibaldi, who was seated near the back of the bus.
“I felt scared,” she said.
Another student said, “I felt scared, terrified, because I could see the train hitting the bus.”
Despite the collision, no injuries were reported — something parents said could have easily been much worse.
“There was a fear — it could have been way worse than what it was,” said Ashley Pharis, a parent.
Sinibaldi said she struggled to unlatch her seatbelt in the moments before impact.
“I tried to press on my seat belt — it wouldn’t unlatch. I covered my head, I closed my eyes as hard as I can and hoped nothing bad happened,” she said.
Parents are now calling for stricter safety measures and stronger requirements for school bus drivers.
“I am hoping for more stricter guidelines with the bus routes and bus transportation,” Pharis said. “I think there should be stricter qualifications in order to be a bus driver.”
While no physical injuries were reported, some families say the emotional impact remains.
“There’s a lot of mental injury,” Pharis said.
Several students said they are now hesitant and afraid to ride the bus again.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released Monday.