Florida Bus Driver Faces Multiple Child Neglect Charges After Train Near-Miss
A school bus driver in Florida is confronting more than two dozen child neglect charges following a harrowing incident where she ignored warning signals and crossed in front of an oncoming train. The event, which occurred on Thursday, involved a bus carrying nearly 30 children and two adults, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic outcome.
Terrifying Video Captures Chaos on Board
Shocking footage from the bus shows students in a state of panic as the vehicle approached the train tracks at Central Avenue and N Market Street in Bushnell, Sumter County. In the video, gut-wrenching screams echo through the bus, with one child heard yelling, 'What the f*** is wrong with you?' while others sob and check on each other's safety. Despite the close call, the school district confirmed that no injuries were reported among the students and staff.
Driver's Actions Under Scrutiny
According to an arrest report obtained by local media, the driver, identified as 67-year-old Yvonne Hampton, drove over the railroad crossing after the warning lights flashed and the guardrails lowered. Hampton, who has worked in the district for over a decade, later told detectives she was already on the crossing when the lights activated, but video evidence contradicted her claim. Audio reviewed by police reportedly captured a voice believed to be Hampton's saying, 'not gonna stop for no train.'
Legal Consequences and Official Responses
Hampton now faces 29 counts of child neglect, with her bond set at $30,000. Sumter County District School superintendent Logan Brown expressed relief, stating, 'When you look at the totality of this situation, we truly averted what could have been a catastrophic event.' He emphasized that it was a matter of inches and praised the train conductor for taking swift action, including braking and sounding the horn, calling him a hero in the situation.
Investigation and Preventive Measures
The incident is currently under review by both the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Sumter County School District. Brown added that the district has implemented calculated measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, acknowledging the lasting impact on the children involved. 'I also hurt for the kids because this is something they’ll remember forever,' he told reporters.
