Deadly crash on U.S. 41 in Estero

We are learning more about what lead to a deadly Estero crash Wednesday morning. The crash caused a chain reaction at a school bus stop and it was so bad, a chopper even landed on the road.

It is not every day troopers stop traffic to allow a medical helicopter to land on a busy road during the morning rush.

But here is why they did.

There was a devastating crash scene on U.S. 41 Wednesday morning. Florida Highway Patrol troopers stopped traffic, giving investigators time to work and crews room to clear the road.

“It just goes to show that things can happen in an instant out there,” said Lt. Greg Bueno, Florida Highway Patrol.

Neighbors living along U.S. 41 said the crash shows just how fast and sometimes how distracted drivers can be.

“This is probably the longest stretch in between lights that you’re going to see,” said David Gardner, Covered Wagon RV & Trailer Park manager. “If they get through there they’re flying.”

“It worries me all the time because all of these little kids are out here,” said Mary Grosser, a parent. “These cars just pass the bus driver, and she honk and honks and shakes her hand at them and they still don’t listen.”

Troopers said a bus driver stopped in the far right hand lane to pick up some students with a flashing stop sign extended. Two trucks swerved into the far left hand lane, one hitting the other, sending it into the path of a white Nissan heading in the opposite direction. That driver died.

“If you have your eyes on the road and your hands on there, yes you’re going to be able to stop in time,” Grosser said. “Or, if something runs out in the road, you won’t run it over and you’re going to definitely be able to stop in time.”