A multi-vehicle crash occurred on State Road 60 in unincorporated Lake Wales, resulting in four fatalities.
The preliminary investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, based on physical evidence, witness statements, and area video, determined that a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu were traveling westbound, each in its own lane. The Equinox attempted to change lanes into the Malibu’s path, striking the Malibu’s right front with its rear left corner. This impact caused the Equinox to rotate, cross the center median, and enter the eastbound lanes directly into the path of a 2005 Toyota Tacoma.
The Tacoma struck the Equinox on the passenger side, resulting in significant intrusion into the Equinox and the deaths of all four occupants inside it. After the collision, the Tacoma rotated and was then struck by a 2018 Toyota Corolla before entering the path of a 2025 Ford F-150.
The initial westbound impact also forced the Malibu into the median, where it became airborne and flipped multiple times before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes. No additional vehicles struck the Malibu.
Injury and vehicle details are as follows:
- 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
All four occupants died at the scene. - 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Driver sustained significant injuries and was trauma-alerted via ambulance from the scene. No passengers. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
Driver sustained significant injuries and was trauma-alerted via helicopter from the scene. No passengers. - 2018 Toyota Corolla
Driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Four children in the vehicle sustained minimal injuries and were transported to a local hospital as a precaution. - 2025 Ford F-150
Driver sustained minimal injuries and was treated at the scene by Polk County Fire Rescue. No passengers.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, none of the deceased were Polk County residents. Deputies continue efforts to locate and notify next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
