Citrus Connection Bus Involved in Multi-Vehicle Crash in Bartow, Injuries Reported

A multi-vehicle crash involving a Citrus Connection public transit bus disrupted the morning commute in Bartow on January 22, 2026, sending multiple people to the hospital and prompting an active investigation by local authorities.

According to the Bartow Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 6:41 a.m. to a crash at the intersection of Van Fleet Drive (U.S. 98) and U.S. 17, a busy corridor during peak commuting hours.

When officers arrived, they discovered that a Citrus Connection fixed-route bus had collided with three other vehicles. Preliminary findings indicate the bus may have entered the intersection against a red light while traveling on Van Fleet Drive, though investigators emphasized that the crash remains under review.

Authorities confirmed that two people were transported by ambulance to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, including the bus driver. Fortunately, no serious or life-threatening injuries were reported at the scene.

Despite initial social media rumors, officials confirmed there was no vehicle fire. Citrus Connection General Manager Tom Phillips explained that the bus was struck on the front passenger side, while the engine is located at the rear, reducing the risk of fire.

Citrus Connection released a statement emphasizing safety and cooperation:

“The safety of our passengers, operators, and the public is our highest priority. Citrus Connection is working closely with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.”

In addition to the police investigation, Citrus Connection has launched its own internal review to determine what caused the crash, including whether operator error, signal timing, mechanical issues, or roadway conditions played a role.

The roadway was fully reopened before 9:30 a.m., allowing traffic to return to normal.

Legal Rights After a Bus-Related Crash in Florida

Crashes involving public transit buses raise complex legal issues. Unlike standard car accidents, claims involving government or quasi-government entities often involve shorter deadlines and special notice requirements under Florida law.

Depending on the facts, injured passengers, drivers, or pedestrians may have claims involving:

• Negligence by a bus operator
• Failure to obey traffic control devices
• Improper training or supervision
• Unsafe scheduling or fatigue
• Mechanical or maintenance failures
• Intersection design or signal malfunction

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care
• Property damage

Even when injuries are initially described as “non-life-threatening,” symptoms can worsen over time, making prompt legal and medical evaluation critical.

Claims involving public transportation systems often require:

• Rapid preservation of bus camera footage
• Review of operator logs and training records
• Analysis of traffic signal timing
• Compliance with government tort claim deadlines

Missing a notice requirement can permanently bar a claim — even when liability is clear.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Can Help After Transit Accidents

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals injured in bus crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, and multi-vehicle collisions throughout Florida.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing us to:

• Act immediately to preserve evidence
• Handle communications with transit authorities and insurers
• Identify all liable parties
• Guide clients through government claim requirements
• Pursue full compensation with no upfront costs

Clients pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

If you were injured in a crash involving a Citrus Connection bus or any public transit vehicle, you may have important rights — but strict deadlines apply.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Bartow, Polk County, and across Florida.