It was with profound sadness that the Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami was apprised of the accident of buses, ensuring the route Bainbridge (Georgia) to Immokalee (Florida), transporting 35 Haitian agricultural workers, Saturday, in Wakulla, as well as the tragic toll.

Wakulla Sheriff Charlie Creel said four of the dead died on the scene and the other died at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, among the victims there was a 4 years old child.

TMH spokesman Warren Jones said 18 people were taken to the hospital. Twelve were taken to the Bixler Emergency and Trauma Center on the hospital's main grounds at Magnolia Drive and Miccosukee Road. He said the patients taken there are the most seriously injured. Four other patients were taken to TMH's Emergency Center Northeast.

By Saturday evening, 12 patients remained, three in critical condition, three in serious condition and six in fair condition and were being held overnight.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators say the southbound bus did not stop for the light, hit the truck that was heading west, and then slammed into a power pole around 5 a.m.

The Consul Nathalie Fourcand of the Consulate of Haiti in Orlando, is currently working with the hospitals treating the victims. Should any family members need to communicate with the hospitals, listed below is the contact information for the medical facilities:

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Contact: Warren Jones / 850-545-8057

Capital Regional Medical Center Contact: Rob / 850-325-8282

Red Cross in Tallahassee 850-878-6080

The Consulate of the Republic of Haiti in Orlando while deploring the tragedy afflicting again many Haitian families presents its sympathies to the relatives, friends of victims proven, and to the Haitian community of Florida.

HL/ HaitiLibre