Florida bus crash leaves at least eight dead and 45 injured after vehicle carrying 53 migrant workers to watermelon farm overturns

A horror bus crash in Florida killed at least eight people, left eight more in critical condition and hospitalized at least 37. 

The crash occurred in Dunnellon, Marion County on Tuesday morning at around 6:30am. 

Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the bus was carrying 'migrant workers' to a watermelon farm, which officials confirmed was Cannon Farms, around 15 miles from the crash site. 

The Florida Highway Patrol told DailyMail.com the crash also involved a 2001 Ford Ranger Truck that 'collided in a widespread manner' with the bus. 

The cause of the incident is under investigation, with authorities saying the bus appeared to swerve off the straight road before crashing through a fence. 

A horror crash in Florida involving a bus has killed at least eight people, left eight more in critical condition and hospitalized at least 37

The crash occurred in Dunnellon, Marion County on Tuesday morning at around 6:30am

It is unclear what caused the crash, although aerial images showed a crumpled grey pickup truck that was also reportedly involved in the incident

Crews from Marion County Fire Rescue and the Marion County Sheriff's Office assist victims from the horror crash on Tuesday morning 

Officials said the bus was travelling to Cannon Farms, around 15 miles from the crash site 

Officials said 53 'migrant workers' were travelling to a watermelon farm on the bus before it overturned 

Officials said the migrant workers were employed by a private company, and the owner of the company was among those transported to hospital, according to OCALA. 

Of the 45 people injured, 37 were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eight were listed as in critical condition. 

Early reports falsely indicated that the crash involved schoolchildren, however authorities clarified that a Marion County Public Schools bus was being used to transport injured people from the scene to hospital. 

Images showed a crumpled grey pickup truck that was also reportedly involved in the incident. The driver was also transported to hospital in serious condition. 

Florida officials have closed sections of State Road 40 West as they deal with the fatal wreck. 

Numerous law enforcement agencies are on the scene, and officials said the investigation is being led by the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Cannon Farms, the intended destination, said on Facebook after the crash: 'We will be closed today out of respect to the losses and injuries endured early this morning in the accident that took place to the Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp.

'Please pray with us for the families and the loved ones involved in this tragic accident. We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time.' 

It is unclear what caused the fatal wreck, which reportedly also involved a pickup truck 

Florida officials closed sections of State Road 40 West as they deal with the fatal wreck

Olvera Trucking, the owner of the bus involved in the wreck, had recently advertised a job as a temporary driver to bus workers to watermelon farms. 

The job role also included operating harvesting equipment and paid $14.77 an hour. 

The Associated Press found that a Department of Labor document shows Olvera recently applied for 43 H-2A workers to harvest watermelons at Cannon Farms this month. 

The company again offered a base rate of $14.77 an hour, with promises of housing and transportation to and from the fields. 

The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or agents who meet certain regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals into the country to fill temporary agricultural jobs.

Florida farms employ more H-2A workers than any other state, about 50,000 a year, according to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.