EUSTIS, Fla. – A semitruck trailer struck a car along State Road 44 in Eustis on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a fatal crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The fatal wreck happened around 1:45 p.m. near Forest Ridge Road.
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The FHP said the semitruck was heading east along S.R. 44 and the driver tried to slow down for a vehicle ahead. However, the driver lost control of the semitruck’s trailer, which veered into the westbound lane and struck an oncoming Nissan Sentra, the FHP said.
The impact caused the Nissan to be redirected into the eastbound line, which put it in the direct path of a Ford E-450, investigators announced. As a result, the Nissan and Ford collided head-on, according to troopers.
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Troopers said the semitruck kept driving east and didn’t remain at the scene. Meanwhile, the Nissan driver was airlifted to the hospital, where he later died, the FHP said.
The Ford driver was not taken to the hospital and remained at the scene, although passengers in his car were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
According to the FHP, there is a roadblock for both directions on S.R. 44, with traffic being diverted at County Road 42 and Royal Trails Boulevard.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call 407-737-2213 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
The crash remains under investigation. No additional information has been provided at this time.
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