LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was killed early Friday in a two-vehicle crash on the Florida Turnpike in Lake County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The fatal wreck happened around 2:55 a.m. Friday in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near State Road 19 in Howey-in-the-Hills.
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Southbound lanes of the Turnpike were closed in the area as drivers were being diverted onto U.S. 27 south. From there, drivers took State Road 50 east back to the Turnpike.
In an update just before noon, FHP said the Turnpike’s southbound lanes reopened, but the on-ramp from U.S. 27 to the Turnpike remains closed.
The FHP said the woman was driving a 2003 Buick Century when she was struck from behind by a 2018 Kia Sorento driven by a 39-year-old Orlando man who failed to notice that the Buick was slowing in front of him.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, the FHP said.
The man suffered serious injuries and was taken to South Lake Hospital in stable condition, according to troopers.
No other details have been released.
Check back for updates.
Lake County Traffic Alert:
— FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) April 21, 2023
All southbound lanes on the Florida Turnpike are currently blocked at mile marker 285 (State Road 19) due to a fatal crash. Traffic is being diverted in the Howey-In-The-Hills area. Drivers need to use caution in the area and find an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/ORQWyd8zWG