Train Collides with School Bus in Florida, No Injuries Reported

Students describe chaotic and terrifying moment as train approached the bus

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:12am

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A train collided with the back of a school bus carrying nearly 30 students in Bushnell, Florida, on Thursday. While no one was physically injured, students described a frightening scene as the train approached the bus. The Sumter County School District Superintendent confirmed the bus driver is no longer employed with the district, and the driver was cited for failing to stop at the railroad crossing.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about school bus safety protocols and the qualifications of bus drivers, as parents are now calling for stricter guidelines and requirements. The emotional impact on the students who experienced the collision is also a concern, as some have expressed hesitation and fear about riding the bus again.

The details

According to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, the train clipped the back of the school bus. The Sumter County School District Superintendent said the driver is no longer employed with the district and was cited for failing to stop at the railroad crossing. Students on the bus described a chaotic and terrifying moment as the train approached, with one student saying they tried to unlatch their seatbelt but couldn't, and another saying they covered their head and closed their eyes, hoping nothing bad would happen.

  • The collision occurred on Thursday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Sumter County Sheriff's Office is expected to release additional details on Monday.

The players

Sumter County School District

The school district that operated the bus involved in the collision.

Logan Brown

The Sumter County School District Superintendent.

Isabelle Sinibaldi

A 14-year-old student who was seated near the back of the bus during the collision.

Ashley Pharis

A parent of a student on the bus.

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What they’re saying

“'I hear someone yell 'Train,''”

— Isabelle Sinibaldi, Student

“'I felt scared, terrified, because I could see the train hitting the bus.'”

— Anonymous Student, Student

“'There was a fear — it could have been way worse than what it was.'”

— Ashley Pharis, Parent

“'I am hoping for more stricter guidelines with the bus routes and bus transportation. I think there should be stricter qualifications in order to be a bus driver.'”

— Ashley Pharis, Parent

“'There's a lot of mental injury.'”

— Ashley Pharis, Parent

What’s next

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office is expected to release additional details about the investigation on Monday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for stronger safety protocols and driver qualifications for school bus transportation, as well as the importance of addressing the emotional impact on students who experience such traumatic events.