Two Dead in Crash After Driver Runs Through Stop Sign

Two men were killed Monday after entering SR 60 into the path of a Freightliner tractor-trailer rig at the intersection of West Lake Road just west of the Lake Wales city limits.

Courtesy Polk County Sheriff's office

Two men died after their work van was struck by a tractor-trailer rig Monday evening at the intersection of West Lake Wales Road and SR 60.

First responders responded to the crash scene at around 9:38 pm, where they found two men deceased in a white 2002 Chevy 2500 work van operated by Florida Degreasers, a restaurant service company.

The preliminary investigation, based on evidence and witness statements, indicated that the Chevy van had been travelling north on West Lake Wales Road and failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign at the intersection with SR 60. The van entered the intersection into the path of the Freightliner which was traveling eastbound on SR 60 and collided with the larger truck, The resulting impact crushed the cab of the work van, killing both men instantly.

The 24-year-old driver and his 35-years old passenger were both from Bartow. The names of the victims have been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the 2023 Freightliner Cascadia truck, a 42-year old Port Richey man, suffered no injuries and declined Medical attention, according to the Polk County Sheriff's office and Polk Fire Rescue.

The area around the intersection was closed to traffic for approximately five-and-a-half hours.

The crash remains under investigation, but no criminal or civil charges are expected.