A man with a history of dangerous driving, Bryan Maclean Howard, pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence-manslaughter in a crash that resulted in the deaths of eight Mexican farmworkers in central Florida. The crash occurred when Howard’s pickup truck sideswiped a farmworker bus, causing it to veer off the road, strike a tree, and flip over. Howard, who appeared in court with injuries and wearing a protective gown, claimed to have no assets or dependents. He had reportedly taken marijuana oil and prescription medications before the crash, failing sobriety tests and leading to his arrest.
Howard’s past driving record revealed multiple crashes and traffic violations dating back to 2006, as well as a previous conviction for grand theft. His license had been suspended several times, with the latest suspension in 2021. The crash involved Mexican farmworkers who were on their way to work at a watermelon farm in Dunnellon. The workers were hired under H-2A visas, a program that allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals for temporary agricultural jobs. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador confirmed that 44 Mexican farmworkers were on the bus at the time of the accident.
Six of the injured farmworkers were in serious condition and three were in critical condition. The Mexican consulate in Orlando was providing support to the injured workers at the hospital. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers confirmed the identities of six deceased workers, who hailed from different states in Mexico. Cannon Farms, where the workers were employed, expressed gratitude for the support and condolences following the tragic incident. The farm announced it would remain closed as a result of the crash.
The farm labor company involved in the accident, Olvera Trucking, was under scrutiny after the crash. Olvera had recently applied for H-2A workers to harvest watermelons at Cannon Farms. The crash highlighted the risks faced by farmworkers during transportation to and from work sites. Vehicle crashes were reported as the leading cause of job-related deaths among farmworkers in 2022. New seat belt requirements for employer vehicles used to transport farmworkers are set to take effect in June 2024, although some organizations have opposed the new regulations.
Advocacy groups called for stricter laws and enforcement to protect farmworkers, emphasizing the need for safety provisions like seat belts and safety inspections during transport. A GoFundMe campaign organized by the Farmworker Association of Florida aimed to support the victims and their families, raising funds for those affected by the tragedy. Despite the challenges faced by farmworkers, efforts are underway to ensure their safety and well-being during transportation to and from work sites.
