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OCALA, Marion County, Fla., Oct. 16, 2026 — An off-duty Gainesville police officer was seriously hurt on Friday morning, October 16, when his patrol vehicle struck the back of a school bus on SW 49th Ave in Ocala. Three others connected to the bus suffered minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Marion County Fire Rescue said it received a call just before 7 a.m. reporting that a marked Gainesville Police Department Ford Explorer had rear-ended a stopped school bus. Troopers said the bus was parked in the outside southbound lane with its lights flashing and stop signs extended, preparing to pick up children, when the SUV traveling southbound in the same lane struck its rear. The officer reportedly did not see the bus stopped ahead.
Crews spent about 16 minutes freeing the officer from the wreckage, fire rescue officials said. The officer was taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital with injuries described as very serious; the Gainesville Police Department said Friday afternoon that he was in stable condition.
Troopers said 13 students were aboard the bus along with a 37-year-old driver and a 54-year-old bus aide. A student, the driver, and the aide were taken to AdventHealth Ocala with minor injuries. The bus was serving Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School, according to Marion County Public Schools.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
More on Crashes in Ocala, FL
This crash happened on SW 49th Ave in Ocala, FL. We cover crashes across Marion County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Marion County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur on ordinary local roads and at intersections close to home, usually at lower speeds, rather than on highways.
What can drivers do to avoid rear-end crashes like this one?
Keeping a safe following distance, staying alert for stopped vehicles ahead, and never assuming the road is clear, especially near school buses, can help prevent these collisions.
What injuries are common in car accidents involving a stopped vehicle impact?
Rear-end crashes usually cause neck and back strain, head injuries, and injuries from being thrown forward or against interior surfaces, ranging from minor to very serious depending on speed.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Ocala, FL
If you're involved in a crash, check for injuries first and call 911 so paramedics and law enforcement can respond. Move to a safe spot if possible, but avoid leaving the scene before officers arrive. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries, especially to the neck, back, or head, aren't obvious right away. Take photos if you're able, get contact information from any witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's filed. Following up with your own doctor in the days after, even for minor symptoms, helps make sure nothing was missed.
