Seven people were treated for injuries after a city bus collided with a pickup truck Wednesday morning in Winter Haven. 

  • Crash involving Winter Haven city bus
  • 7 injuries involved (4 minor on bus, 3 in truck)

According to Polk County Fire Rescue, the crash happened on Highway 17 near Casey Avenue just before 9 a.m. 

The crash blocked Highway 17 between Snively Boulevard and Highway 540 for several hours. 

Primary investigation suggests the driver of the pickup truck was traveling south on Highway 17 when he collided into the back of the bus that was stopped to pick up passengers. 

Officials said three people in the truck - Jaron Skipper, 36, Emma Skipper, 7, and John Skipper, 4 - were airlifted to Tampa General and are in critical condition. 

According to the report, Jaron and Emma were not wearing a seat belt. The 7-year-old was ejected through the front windshield of the truck. The 4-year-old however, was wearing a seat belt, but suffered significant injuries. 

Four passengers on the bus - Anabel Rodriguez, 19, Calvin Edwards, 62, Richard Watkins, 48, and Derrick Taylor, 37 - were transported to Winter Haven Hospital with minor injuries. 

The crash remains under investigation.