School bus driver busted after train clips packed vehicle at crossing

A Florida school bus driver has found herself in hot water after a harrowing incident where a train clipped the back of the bus she was driving, causing young children on board to scream in terror. Yvonne Hampton, 67, allegedly disregarded the railroad crossing signals in Sumter County, declaring that she was “not gonna stop for no train.” This reckless decision led to the train making contact with the rear corner of the bus, which had 29 children and two adults onboard.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but a video posted on TikTok captured the traumatizing moment when the train sped past the bus, just inches away from the back. The footage showed the panic and fear among the children as they realized the danger they were in. Superintendent Logan Brown of the Sumter County School District emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting that a mere 6 inches could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome.

Following the incident, Hampton was promptly fired from her position as a bus driver and now faces 29 counts of felony child neglect and failing to adhere to railroad crossing regulations. Witness Christina Armstrong recounted the chaos that unfolded as the bus was struck by the train, expressing her emotional response to the near-tragic event. One student who was on the bus shared her terror at witnessing the train collide with the bus.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Superintendent Brown commended the quick actions of the train conductor, labeling him as a hero in the scenario. The school district has taken immediate steps to enhance safety measures, including removing the crossing where the incident occurred and reevaluating the driver-hiring process. Hampton is currently held without bond at the Sumter County Jail, marking a stark downfall from her decade-long tenure with the district.

The shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations, especially when the lives of children are at stake. The swift actions taken by the school district underscore the commitment to ensuring the well-being of students and preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.