Authorities in Sumter County, Florida, have released details and surveillance footage following an April 2 incident where a school bus carrying 29 children was struck by a CSX train.
The driver, identified as 67-year-old Yvonne Hampton, faces 29 counts of felony child neglect along with charges of reckless driving and culpable negligence.
Footage from inside the bus shows the vehicle crossing the tracks in Bushnell as railroad warning lights flashed and the mechanical safety arms began to lower.
As the bus cleared the tracks, a passing CSX train clipped the rear of the vehicle, narrowly missing the passenger compartment where the students were seated.
The video captures the immediate panic and screams of the children on board as the impact occurred.
Despite the severity of the collision, local officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among the 29 students or the driver.
Investigators allege that Hampton intentionally bypassed the safety protocols. According to court documents, witnesses reported that Hampton stated she was "not gonna stop for no train."
The Sumter County School District confirmed that Hampton resigned from her position shortly after the crash occurred last Thursday.
She was subsequently arrested and later released after posting a $30,000 bond.
The incident has sparked renewed debate regarding school transportation safety and the vetting processes for district drivers across the state.
Under the administration of President Donald Trump, federal safety regulators continue to emphasize the importance of railroad crossing compliance for all school vehicles.
Florida law enforcement officials stated that the investigation remains active as they review additional data from the bus's onboard systems.
The CSX transportation company is also cooperating with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office to verify the timing of the warning signals.
Public reaction has been swift, with parents demanding stricter oversight and the installation of additional safety technology on district buses.
Legal proceedings for Hampton are expected to continue this month as prosecutors move forward with the felony neglect charges.