A woman has died at the hospital after a crash on Walt Disney World property involving a car and a Disney’s Magical Express bus, the Florida Highway Patrol said Friday. The crash happened around 3:30 p.m. on Epcot Center Drive, near Overpass Road, according to FHP.
Epcot Center Drive was completely blocked in the area after the crash.
FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said the bus, carrying 36 passengers, hit the woman’s car. The 63-year-old victim, later identified as Solange Blain, died at Celebration Health, Montes said. Investigators said witnesses told they the woman’s car stopped in the travel lane and the bus wasn’t able to stop in time.
Reedy Creek fire officials said two other people on the bus, including a child, were also transported as a non-emergency precaution. The Reedy Creek Fire Department serves the Walt Disney World property. Disney officials confirmed the crash, saying the Magical Express is a Mears Transportation-owned and operated bus service that runs between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World.
One woman, who was on the bus, said on Twitter that her children were traumatized by the crash. The woman, who asked not to be credited, said she and her family were just arriving at Disney World when the crash happened. She said Mears told passengers they waited for clearance from FHP to move them off the bus. Several Mears buses were later seen transporting passengers from the scene. The woman tweeting from the bus said passengers had waited for more than two hours.
Mears Transportation spokesman Roger Chapin issued the following statement Friday evening:
“Earlier today a Disney Magical Express bus owned and operated by Mears Transportation Group was involved in an accident with another automobile near Epcot Center Drive and Overpass Road in Orlando just after 3:30 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is on the scene and handling the investigation.
We have been informed by FHP that one individual in the automobile involved died as a result of the accident and two individuals on board the bus were transported to Celebration Hospital. The extent of their injuries are unknown.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life in this accident. We are cooperating fully with FHP.”
Walt Disney World spokesperson Marilyn Waters offered the following statement:
“We are saddened by today’s tragic accident and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the driver who passed away. In addition, we are providing support to the passengers on the bus.”