A tragic wrong-way crash on U.S. 441 (Kenansville Road) near Yates Ranch Road claimed the lives of three people, including a 5-year-old boy, on Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The crash occurred around 2:51 p.m., when a Ford F-150 pickup truck was traveling south in the northbound lane, heading directly into oncoming traffic. The truck collided head-on with a Toyota RAV-4 SUV, forcing the SUV off the roadway, where it overturned due to the impact.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but a 54-year-old Orlando woman and a 34-year-old Orlando woman in the SUV were pronounced dead on-site. A 5-year-old boy, also a passenger in the SUV, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The SUV’s driver, a 34-year-old Orlando man, and a 9-month-old baby sustained minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup truck, a 30-year-old man from Jensen Beach, suffered minor injuries and was also hospitalized.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the pickup truck to travel in the wrong direction. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Officials urge motorists to stay vigilant, avoid distractions, and prioritize safe driving practices to prevent similar tragedies.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
