Officers responded to U.S. Highway 90 West and Shoemaker Drive at approximately 7AM on Thursday morning in reference to a Pickup colliding with a School Bus. The DeFuniak Springs Fire Department along with Walton Fire Rescue responded due to injuries and entrapment. Witnesses reported that the driver of the School Bus, 53 year old Phyllis Pinson of DeFuniak Springs, was making a left turn from 90 onto Shoemaker Drive. As Pinson made the turn, a 2011 Maroon Nissan Pickup, driven by 28 year old Troy Dupree of Westville, collided with the front end of the bus. Dupree was heading west on U.S. Highway 90 at the time of the crash.
At least 4 students and the School Bus Driver were transported to Healthmark Regional Medical Center due to possible injuries. Dupree was transported and later flown by helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with life-threatening injuries. A 10 month old, which was properly secured in a car seat in the backseat of the Pickup Truck, was transported along with Dupree for possible injuries. The crash is still under investigation by the DeFuniak Springs Police and charges are pending.