Florida Bus Driver Arrested After Train Strikes School Bus

A 67-year-old school bus driver in Florida was arrested on multiple felony charges after her vehicle, carrying 29 children and an adult aide, was struck by a train at a railroad crossing, authorities said. The incident occurred on April 2 at the intersection of East Central Avenue and North Market Street in Bushnell, about 50 miles northwest of Orlando. No one on board was injured, but officials described the near-miss as a potential catastrophe that was narrowly averted.

Yvonne Hampton, who had worked for the Sumter County School District for more than a decade, was driving the bus when it crossed the tracks despite activated warning lights and lowering crossing arms, according to an arrest report. Video footage from inside the bus captured children screaming in panic as the train sped by, clipping the rear of the vehicle just inches away. Audio from the recording reportedly includes a voice believed to be Hampton's stating, "Not gonna stop for no train." During questioning, Hampton told detectives she had already begun crossing when the warnings activated, but the video evidence showed the signals were active beforehand.

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office launched an...