HARDEE COUNTY - Hardee County Fire Rescue received a call at 2:07pm to respond to a motor vehicle crash involving a van and school bus at the intersection of Highway 17 South and State Road 66 in Zolfo Springs.

Hardee County Fire Rescue responded to the scene with the first fire rescue unit arriving at 2:08pm. Upon arrival units found a school bus with thirty-eight children and the bus driver, along with a van occupied with only the driver, each facing opposite directions. No hazardous spills were reported. Flow of traffic remained with the assistance of the Hardee County Sheriff's office doing traffic control and no roads were closed.

Students remained on the bus awaiting for School Board  officials to arrive.  School Board officials did arrive on scene and implemented their standard procedures for notification and transporting the students to their destinations.

Fifteen students were released to parents that arrived on scene. Three students were transported to the local hospital with minor injuries.

Hardee County Fire Rescue responded with one rescue unit and one fire engine, along with two emergency management personnel, totaling eight personnel.