The authorities said that a bus carrying farm workers in central Florida overturned on Tuesday, resulting in eight deaths and injuries to about 40 other passengers.

The Florida Highway Patrol stated that the bus was transporting 53 farm workers when it collided with a truck in Marion County, north of Orlando.

Authorities say the bus veered off the road and struck a fence, ending up on its side in a field. The workers were taken to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, which was harvesting watermelons.

Cannon Farms announced on its Facebook page: "We will close our doors today in respect for the losses and injuries we sustained earlier this morning in the incident involving Olvera Trucking Harvesting Corp." and for their loved ones involved in this tragic incident. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time."

Cannon Farms describes itself as a family-owned commercial farming company that has been cultivating its land for over 100 years, now focusing on peanuts and watermelons, which are shipped to grocery stores across the United States and Canada.