Officials: Driver killed in crash involving Disney bus was Disney employee

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Officials said the driver who was killed in a crash involving a Disney bus on Friday was a Disney employee.

Solange Blain, 63, died in the crash involving her vehicle and a Disney bus on Epcot Center Drive. Disney officials confirmed Blain was an employee at one of the Disney hotels.

The crash happened on Epcot Center Drive near Overpass Road about 4 p.m. Friday. Blain's 1996 Buick and the bus were traveling westbound on Epcot Center Drive in the left lane. Blain was in front of the bus and stopped in the lane for unknown reasons, according to troopers.

The driver of the bus, 33-year-old David Lee Morales of Gotha, was unable to stop, according to FHP.

"As the bus kind of came over a crest, the bus driver was unable to stop and the front of the bus struck the rear end of the Buick," Sgt. Kim Montes with Florida Highway Patrol said.

The car was thrown into the grassy median during the crash. Blaine died at Celebration Hospital, officials said.

"The back portion of the Buick is smashed up almost to the back of her seat. The crush damage is significant. This is a severe impact," Montes said.

An infant and teen who were on the bus were transported with minor injuries to Celebration Hospital after the crash. There was a total of 36 people on the bus at the time, Montes said.

The bus is owned and operated by Mears Transportation and contracted by Disney to transport guests to and from the Orlando International Airport and the theme parks.

The crash remains under investigation, officials said.

Walt Disney World released a statement about the crash.

"We are saddened by the  loss of a fellow Cast Member in Friday's tragic accident and offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. In addition, we are providing support to the passengers who were on the bus," spokesperson Marilyn Waters said.

WFTV