POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two Florida men were seriously injured late Thursday when they were ejected from a car that crashed on Interstate 4 in Polk County after the driver fled from a trooper at speeds up to 130 mph, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 11:55 p.m. on I-4 west near mile marker 27, the Polk Parkway exit.
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According to the FHP, a trooper traveling west on I-4 near mile marker 35 spotted a Toyota Camry traveling at 102 mph. The trooper “attempted to overtake the vehicle,” which fled at speeds up to 130 mph, according to the FHP.
The Camry continued west on I-4, reaching a construction zone, where all but the left lane was closed, troopers said.
The car entered the closed portion of the roadway and collided with two tractor-trailers, causing the Camry to separate into several pieces and ejecting the two occupants, the FHP said. Troopers identified them as a 37-year-old Tampa man and a 30-year-old Port Charlotte man, both of whom suffered serious injuries. It’s not known which man was driving.
The FHP said a Subaru Outback traveling west on I-4 was struck by portions of the Camry.
The driver of the Outback, a 43-year-old Lakeland woman, and the two big rig drivers suffered minor injuries, according to authorities.
Troopers said nearly $5,000 in cash and several pounds of marijuana were found in the Camry.
I-4 was closed in the area until 7:30 a.m. Friday.
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