LEESBURG, Fla. – A fatal crash involving a school bus and a car has prompted the closure of U.S. Highway 27 in Lake County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The wreck was reported at 6:40 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. 27 south near Great Egret Drive, south of Leesburg. Southbound U.S. 27 is closed in the area.
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The FHP said a Toyota was southbound on U.S. 27 when the bus made a turn into the direct path of the car, which struck the left back of the bus. The car then traveled several hundred feet and came to rest in a retention pond.
The driver of the car — a 36-year-old man from Leesburg — was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the FHP.
Lake County Schools said there were 17 students on the bus, which was headed to Leesburg High School. The students were examined by EMTs and no injuries were reported, according to school officials.
According to the school district, the driver was hired back in July 2021 and was on the designated route when the crash occurred.
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An investigation is ongoing.
Check back for updates.