TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A fourth person has died after a crash that happened just east of Haines City on Monday afternoon.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said three people had died in a crash on Lake Hatchineha Road near Watkins Road around noon Monday. Three others were flown to area hospitals as trauma alerts. One, a man, has since passed away, deputies said on Tuesday.
It’s still unclear what led to the crash. The sheriff’s office said one of the two cars involved caught fire, and that all the victims were adults, but did not disclose any further details, saying they expected to release further information later in the day.
Lake Hatchineha Road was closed for several hours, but was back open Monday night.
Levette Lawson lives less than a mile away. While she doesn’t know the full story yet, she says speeding and car crashes are already problems in this area.
“It’s sad because it’s after Christmas,” Lawson said.
Lawson has two daughters, who at times have walked out in the street. She says it’s concerning for this wreck to happen so close to home.
“I feel like I’m blessed because it’ll take them nothing but a minute to disappear,” Lawson said.
Sheriff Grady Judd is expected to provide an update on the fatal crash Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m.
News Channel 8 is working to get more information about the crash. This story will be updated.
