A Florida school bus driver has been arrested and faces dozens of criminal charges after allegedly driving a bus full of children onto a railroad crossing moments before it was struck by an oncoming train, authorities said.
The incident occurred on April 2 in Bushnell, where a school bus carrying 29 students was hit by a train after the driver reportedly ignored active warning signals at the crossing.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the driver — identified as 67-year-old Yvonne Hampton — proceeded across the tracks despite flashing lights, ringing bells, and lowering crossing arms.
Investigators say surveillance footage from inside the bus captured a voice believed to be Hampton’s saying, “not gonna stop for no train,” shortly before impact.
Officials said the train struck the rear corner of the bus, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic collision. Despite the severity of the situation, no injuries were reported, though students onboard described the experience as terrifying.
Witness accounts and video evidence indicate that several children began screaming and warning the driver as the train approached, highlighting how close the incident came to tragedy. Authorities emphasized that the difference between a near-miss and a deadly crash was only a matter of seconds.
Hampton was arrested and charged with:
- 29 counts of child neglect (one for each child onboard)
- Reckless driving
- Culpable negligence
She was taken into custody and later released on bond. Officials confirmed she has since been terminated from her position with the school district.
The Sumter County School District has launched a review of its transportation policies in response to the crash. As an immediate safety precaution, the district has removed the railroad crossing from bus routes and is reevaluating driver training procedures.
Officials also credited the train crew with taking emergency action, including braking and sounding the horn, which likely helped prevent a far more serious outcome.
The incident has sparked concern among parents and community members, many of whom are calling for stricter safety enforcement and oversight. Video of the incident, reportedly showing children screaming as the train approached, has circulated widely and intensified public reaction.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as the driver faces prosecution.
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