The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has arrested the driver of a pickup truck involved in a fatal crash with a farmworker bus on May 21, 2024. Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, faces eight counts of DUI-manslaughter following the incident, which resulted in eight fatalities. The FHP did not disclose the substance allegedly causing Howard’s impairment.
According to the FHP statement, Howard was driving a 2001 Ford Ranger on State Road 40, a two-lane road through horse farms, when his vehicle crossed the center line. The truck sideswiped the bus, causing it to veer off the road at approximately 6:40 a.m. The bus crashed through a fence, hit a tree, and overturned. Along with the eight fatalities, at least 40 individuals were injured.
It is currently unclear if Howard has legal representation. Efforts to contact his family have been unsuccessful. State records indicate that Howard has previous arrests for driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, and marijuana possession.
The crash occurred in Marion County, roughly 80 miles north of Orlando. The farmworkers were en route to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon for the watermelon harvest. The bus ended up on its side with smashed windows and open emergency exits, while the pickup truck sustained extensive damage and came to a stop at the roadside with its airbag deployed.
If any nearby person or vehicle were injured/damaged as a result of the driver’s negligence, there would likely be a valid personal injury claim.
We at MANGAL, PLLC pride ourselves in pursuing justice for clients no matter the cost. We take seriously our obligation to serve you to the best of our ability. We will fight for you and make sure that you recover the full compensation you deserve. No one should be left holding the bill for an accident caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today at (352) 995-9945 to discuss your case.
