A Florida school bus driver was caught on a recording admitting she was driving a bus filled with students into the path of an oncoming train, according to authorities.
Yvonne Hampton was driving 29 middle school students home from school April 7 in Sumter County when she approached a railroad crossing. The 67-year-old initially told investigators a car ahead of her prevented her from clearing the tracks, Tampa Free Press reported.
However, video evidence showed otherwise. Hampton proceeded onto the tracks despite the already activated railroad warning system.
Hampton can be heard on the video saying, “Not gonna stop for no train,” according to News 6.
Concerned students can be heard on the video, including one yelling, “There is a train coming.”
The train struck the back of the bus, which was carrying 29 middle school students. No injuries were reported.
What happened to the Florida bus driver accused of driving vehicle in path of train?
Hampton was arrested following the collision.
She faces 29 counts of child neglect as well as charges of culpable negligence and reckless driving. Hampton was released from jail April 7 after posting bond.
Sumter County School District fired Hampton, who had been a driver for the county for more than a decade.
“When you really understand how close this was, it’s sobering,” Sumter County School District Superintendent Logan Brown said in a taped message.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida bus driver before impact, ‘Not gonna stop for no train’
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
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