Driver of Cement Mixer Charged in Collision with Bus

TAMPA, FL – The driver of a cement mixer was charged in connection with a morning bus collision that sent nine to the hospital, caused $20,ooo in damages to the bus and cement mixer, knocked over a $2,000 light pole, destroyed a $500 bike on the bus rack and caused Tampa traffic to be diverted for roughly two-and-a-half hours, police said.

"The investigation revealed that the cement mixer failed to stop at a redlight, and as a result, the driver has been charged with running a red light," the Tampa Police Department said this afternoon.

After hitting the HARTline bus at approximately 6:05 a.m., the cement mixer turned over on its side. The driver, along with the bus driver, were treated at the scene for minor injuries, police said.

The accident occurred at East 7th Avenue and North 21st Street as the mixer heading south on 21st ran the stoplight and smashed into the bus that was traveling west on 7th, police said.

Of the 21 passengers on the bus, nine were transported to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries, the department said.

• ALSO SEE: Burglars Hit Tampa School Twice Over Spring Break

--Image via Shutterstock