FROSTPROOF, FL — Two individuals lost their lives Saturday evening, October 17, following a violent five-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks at the intersection of U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 in Frostproof.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. when a 2022 International semi-truck traveling northbound on U.S. 27 failed to recognize several vehicles stopped at a red light.
Investigators say the semi-truck struck the rear of a Toyota Highlander at highway speeds, pushing the SUV into the side of another semi-truck stopped in the adjacent lane.
The impact caused significant damage to the Highlander, particularly its rear passenger compartment, where a pregnant 32-year-old woman from Avon Park was seated.
The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she and her unborn baby tragically succumbed to their injuries despite medical efforts to save them.
Following the initial collision, the International semi-truck continued forward, striking a Toyota Corolla and pushing it into a Honda Civic. The semi then traveled approximately 400 feet across an open field, jumped a small road, struck a fence, and came to rest in a shallow ditch.
Authorities identified the semi-truck driver as a 53-year-old Michigan man operating a truck owned by Pro Vision Transport Inc., based in Michigan. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital.
A 37-year-old Avon Park woman who was driving the Corolla remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Other individuals involved were either treated and released or remain under medical care and are expected to recover.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that all occupants of the five vehicles appeared to have been wearing seat belts.
U.S. 27 remained closed for approximately six hours while authorities investigated the crash and crews completed recovery and cleanup operations.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
