Train clips school bus full of kids in Florida

A school bus carrying approximately 40 students was clipped by a freight train at a railroad crossing in Florida on Wednesday morning, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time in the city of Lakeland, located in Polk County. Preliminary investigations suggest the bus driver attempted to cross the tracks after the warning lights and gates had activated, leading to the collision with the side of the passing CSX train. Miraculously, no serious injuries were reported among the children, who ranged from elementary to high school age. Emergency responders from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and local fire departments rushed to the scene. Students were evaluated by paramedics on-site, with several treated for minor complaints like anxiety and nausea before being transported to their respective schools on replacement buses. The bus driver, whose identity has not been released, was also unharmed and is cooperating with the investigation. The collision caused significant damage to the rear section of the school bus, tearing off exterior panels and shattering windows. The train, which was carrying mixed freight, was able to stop a safe distance down the track and did not derail. The incident has reignited community concerns about railroad crossing safety, particularly on routes frequently used by school transportation. Local officials have announced a full review of the crossing's safety mechanisms and driver protocols in coordination with CSX Transportation and the Florida Department of Transportation.