Hernando Transit Driver Falls Asleep on Howell Avenue, Hits Pole, Power Outage

Shortly after 11 a.m., a Hernando County Transit bus ran off Howell Avenue in Brooksville and struck a utility pole, knocking out power to nearby homes and businesses and prompting the temporary closure of the road, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies told investigators the county transit vehicle, known locally as "TheBus," was the only vehicle involved and there were no passengers on board when it left the roadway near the intersection of Highland Street. The bus driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

The crash damaged the utility pole and caused a localized power outage. Duke Energy crews were working to restore electricity to affected residents, and the sheriff’s office said the outage left nearby homes and businesses without power while repairs and scene clearance continued. Officials have not released a customer count for the outage.

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigators remain on the scene gathering evidence and documenting the incident; the agency is leading the crash investigation. FOX 13’s report of the event included a photograph credited "Courtesy: Hernando County Sheriff's Office."

Howell Avenue was closed following the collision to allow emergency responders and utility crews to secure the area and repair the damaged pole. Hernando County Transit has not issued a public statement about whether the bus was in service at the time or about any operational impacts to routes; the sheriff’s office has not released the driver’s name or detailed medical information beyond the description of minor injuries.

Crews worked through the midday period to clear debris and restore power, and deputies continued to block the scene while documentation was completed. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is the primary point of contact for further details on the crash investigation, and Duke Energy is handling restoration and infrastructure repairs for the damaged pole.