DADE CITY, FLORIDA — Two school bus passengers and one vehicle passenger were taken to the hospital Tuesday morning after a tractor-trailer struck a Hyundai Tucson and a stopped Pasco County school bus on US-301, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened on US-301 near Desrosier Road while the school bus was stopped southbound and actively loading children.
School Bus Was Stopped With Lights Flashing
FHP said the Pasco County school bus had stopped in the outside southbound lane at the Desrosier Road intersection to pick up students.
Troopers said the bus had its red lights flashing and stop arms extended at the time.
A 2026 Hyundai Tucson was stopped directly behind the school bus in the inside lane, according to investigators.
Tractor-Trailer Driver Swerved Before Impact
According to FHP, a 42-year-old St. Petersburg man driving a southbound tractor-trailer failed to see the stopped school bus.
Troopers said the tractor-trailer driver swerved left in an attempt to avoid a collision.
The tractor-trailer struck the right rear of the Hyundai and the left rear of the school bus, according to FHP.
Three People Taken to Hospital
A 13-year-old male bus passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
A 22-year-old female bus passenger from Dade City also suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
A 26-year-old female passenger in the Hyundai, from Zephyrhills, suffered minor injuries and was also transported to the hospital.
The 29-year-old Zephyrhills man driving the Hyundai suffered minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital.
Neither the tractor-trailer driver nor the 43-year-old Wesley Chapel man driving the school bus was injured.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not released the names of anyone involved.
Officials have not said whether the tractor-trailer driver will face charges.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
📸 Image(s) courtesy of FHP and used under fair use for news reporting.
