TGH takes in several victims of Highlands charter bus crash

TAMPA — At least six people injured in a tour bus crash in Highlands County were taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment, a hospital spokesperson said.

The identities and conditions of those people were not available, but TGH spokeswoman Ellen Fiss said they came by medical helicopter Monday afternoon.

The crash happened at 2:15 p.m. at U.S, 27 and Lake Francis Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The charter bus was heading north on U.S. 27 in the outside lane, and a Mercury Marquis was eastbound on Lake Francis Drive entering the northbound lanes of U.S. 27.

Troopers said the Mercury driver, 81-year-old Betty J. Adams, of Lake Placid, failed to yield to the bus' right of way, and the car struck the bus' left side.

The bus veered off the road's east shoulder and flipped, ejecting several of the 32 passengers, troopers said. Two died at the scene.

Three passengers were critically injured, and the rest had minor to serious injuries. All but one were taken to area hospitals, troopers said.

The bus driver, Larry L. Metzger, 69, of Moore Haven, had serious injuries, the FHP said.

Northbound U.S. 27 was closed for almost two hours.

Troopers said charges are pending.

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