JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two people were killed in a wrong-way crash on the Hart Bridge early Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
An SUV was traveling eastbound on the Hart Bridge from Gator Bowl Boulevard in the westbound lanes of travel at 12:19 a.m., an FHP report says. An out-of-service Jacksonville Transportation Authority bus was traveling westbound in the left lane when the SUV crashed into the front of the bus, according to the report.
Both the driver and passenger of the SUV, a 28-year-old Jacksonville woman and a 26-year-old Jacksonville woman, were pronounced dead at UF Health Jacksonville. The driver of the bus was not hurt, and no one else was listed on board the bus in the FHP report.
The bus driver was headed back to the Myrle Avenue Operations Campus after finishing his run, according to JTA. He did not suffer any serious injuries and is on "hold off status" (out of service) as the investigation continues, JTA said.
JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford sent First Coast News the following statement:
"We are devastated by this precious loss of life. Please join me in keeping these people and their loved ones in our thoughts as we process what happened early this morning.
We are thankful that the Bus Operator was not seriously injured and that no other passengers were on board. Our focus is supporting him during this difficult time along with any employees who need it.
The JTA is working with law enforcement as they continue their important work and as we conduct our own internal investigation."
All lanes of the Hart Bridge were reopened shortly before 6 a.m.