The man accused of causing a crash that killed eight farm workers in Marion County remains behind bars following his first court appearance. The driver, 41-year-old Bryan Howard, is under suicide watch in the Marion County Jail due to his lengthy criminal history and the gravity of the charges against him.
The incident occurred yesterday morning on State Road 40 when Howard’s pickup truck sideswiped a bus carrying migrant workers from Mexico who were on their way to pick watermelons in Dunnellon. The collision resulted in the deaths of eight workers and left dozens more injured.
Howard faces eight counts of DUI manslaughter. During his initial court appearance, the judge denied bond, citing the severity of the charges and Howard’s criminal past. He is scheduled to return to court for his arraignment on June 18.
FHP Lt. Pat Riordan confirmed Howard was driving the pickup truck involved in the fatal crash. The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, focusing on determining the exact circumstances that led to the tragic accident.
The migrant workers, who were critically injured in the crash, are receiving medical treatment, and efforts are being made to notify their families in Mexico. The crash has drawn significant attention to the vulnerabilities faced by migrant farm workers and the importance of road safety.
Community leaders and advocacy groups are calling for justice and enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the conditions and risks that migrant workers face daily.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of the workers and looks to support those affected by the accident. The outcome of Howard’s trial will be closely watched, with many advocating for stringent penalties to serve as a deterrent against impaired driving.
