[DougB]

Driving south on the turnpike headed toward Orlando around 4:45 pm I saw a white Villages' bus pulled off the road with about 20 clowns in costumes standing outside pulled off the road headed north back to The Villages. Ambulance was there and a firetruck was just arriving. Just curious if anyone knows what happened?

[Walter123]

Yes, I know about this.

The Villages bus was sent to pick them up and was not involved in the accident.
The clowns were riding in a Volkswagen beetle when one of the tires blew out due to the weight of the clowns. The driver of the Volkswagen was ticketed because some of the clowns were not wearing their seat belts. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

[tomwed]

Glad no one was hurt.

[TCGirl]

Originally Posted by Walter123

Yes, I know about this.

The Villages bus was sent to pick them up and was not involved in the accident.
The clowns were riding in a Volkswagen beetle when one of the tires blew out due to the weight of the clowns. The driver of the Volkswagen was ticketed because some of the clowns were not wearing their seat belts. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

This sounds too unbelievable to be true! An overstuffed Beetle full of clowns?

[Bizdoc]

I have to tell you that I keep looking at the thread title and laughing. Can't help but think (as I initially did) that it sounds like it was written by a non-Villages resident who doesn't like us...

Of course, the extra info about the overloaded Beetle is the real icing on the cake. Too bad no pictures!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

I have to tell you that I keep looking at the thread title and laughing. Can't help but think (as I initially did) that it sounds like it was written by a non-Villages resident who doesn't like us...

Of course, the extra info about the overloaded Beetle is the real icing on the cake. Too bad no pictures!

[Bizdoc]

Thanks for the picture. Now busy laughing.

[gatherer47]

My wife was on the bus.One of the clowns had chest pains and was taken to Leesburg hospital by ambulance.Not a laughing matter.

[gatherer47]

Didn't mean to imply that any posters were making light of this-sorry if above post made it seem that way

[DougB]

Originally Posted by gatherer47

My wife was on the bus.One of the clowns had chest pains and was taken to Leesburg hospital by ambulance.Not a laughing matter.

Thank you! Didn't see any damage to the bus and thought it may be something like that. Everything turn out ok for your wife's friend?

[graciegirl]

I shouldn't have done that. I was afraid it truly was something serious.

DougBEE is always kiddin' around and I knew he wasn't kidding this time.

I am embarrassed and sorry.

[Tweety Bird]

Originally Posted by Walter123

Yes, I know about this.

The Villages bus was sent to pick them up and was not involved in the accident.
The clowns were riding in a Volkswagen beetle when one of the tires blew out due to the weight of the clowns. The driver of the Volkswagen was ticketed because some of the clowns were not wearing their seat belts. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

FAT clowns?

[Tweety Bird]

Originally Posted by gatherer47

My wife was on the bus.One of the clowns had chest pains and was taken to Leesburg hospital by ambulance.Not a laughing matter.

Of course it's funny...until you know the real reason. Hope wifey clown gets better.

[krausaj]

Before this becomes a circus, let me offer clarification of this story from the actual clown who had the heart attack.
We were returning from an event at Disney's Contemporary Hotel for a non profit organization called Kids Beating Cancer. This is one of many events The Villages Clown Alley 179 supports with total commitment
I began to experience heart attack symptoms a short time into the ride. The bus driver called ahead for the emergency squad to meet us on the turnpike as my symptoms were becoming more acute. We were, of course, in full costume. I remained on the bus and 32 brightly costumed clowns got out of the bus so that the EMT's could help me. Fire rescue and FHP were also on the scene. We clowns had truly shut down the road and created quite a spectacle. The EMT's got me out and into their ambulance while my fellow clowns and friends applauded and cheered. It was terrible to experience and scary for all of us. The end of the story is that The EMT's were amazing and kind and The Villages Regional Hospital ER and cardiac floor provided excellent and compassionate care to this clown who entered their ER in full face and costume. I did have a heart attack and was one lucky clown because there were no blockages or severe harm to my heart.They cracked jokes and kept me going. They talked about taking selfies and were still professional. Not a laughing matter, but certainly one that had moments of humor. Imagine seeing all those clowns on the side of the road!
Imagine all the good they did they did that day with the children who were part of Kids Beating Cancer. Imagine the funny turns any life can take... I will be fine and will bbe clowning with all my heart... Rufflez

[RErmer]

So glad for a real explanation...and so glad you're going to be able to continue clowning around!