Second Fatal Crash at Same Intersection in Weeks at Frostproof's Sun Ray

The death toll on area roads, already very high in recent months, rose again Saturday morning after a fatal crash that occurred shortly after midnight Saturday. The fatality is the second at the same crash in less than four weeks.

Courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit

This Dodge van was being driven by a Bowling Green man early Saturday when he entered US 27-98 in Sun Ray, driving directly into the path of a southbound tractor-trailer.

According to witnesses and the Polk Sheriff's Traffic Homicide Unit, a silver Dodge van driven by a 68-year-old male from Bowling Green, FL, left the Citgo gas station at Sun Ray in Frostproof, turned left onto Charles Street, and then attempted to cross US 27-98, driving directly into the path of a southbound tractor-trailer truck.

US 27 is curving slightly at the location of the crash, perhaps contributing to reducing visibility. The driver of the semi-truck was unable to avoid a crash and struck the van directly on the driver's side, resulting in the fatality. There were no passengers in either vehicle and the driver of the freight vehicle was able to avoid serious injury. US 27-98 was closed for approximately four hours. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to co ntact the Polk County Sheriff's office.

The crash continues a bloody string of fatal crashes that have claimed a dozen lives in southeastern Polk County since early December. A fatal crash involving a motorcycle took place at the same intersection less than a month ago