Freak Accident in Lake County: Falling Tree Kills One, Leaves Two Airlifted in Critical Condition

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By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)
Publish Date: August 20th, 2024

Lake County, FL – According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a peaceful Tuesday afternoon took a tragic turn when a falling tree led to a deadly accident on County Road 474, east of State Road 33. The incident, which happened around 4:26 PM, left one man dead and two others fighting for their lives.

Authorities say a 2017 Ford F-350 pulling a trailer was traveling westbound when a tree suddenly fell from the north side of the road. The truck driver had no time to react. The tree crashed onto the vehicle, causing the truck to veer into the opposite lane — right into the path of an oncoming 2004 Mack dump truck.

The collision was devastating. The two trucks slammed into each other, both hitting left side to left side. The driver of the Ford, a 58-year-old man from Groveland, sustained critical injuries. Despite being airlifted to Osceola Regional Hospital, he was later pronounced dead.

Two passengers were also in the Ford. The front passenger, a 40-year-old woman, was also airlifted in critical condition, while a third passenger, a 34-year-old man in the backseat, was transported to Advent Health Four Corners Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Mack dump truck, a 47-year-old man from Kissimmee, was lucky to escape unscathed. He remained on the scene as first responders worked to clear the area and provide aid to the injured. Investigators confirmed that he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

As the investigation continues, it’s still unclear whether the passengers in the Ford were wearing seatbelts. Local officials are reminding drivers to be extra cautious, especially with unpredictable weather causing hazards like falling trees, which are particularly common during Florida’s stormy season.

The tragic accident has shaken the community, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation develops. For now, family and friends of those involved are left to mourn and hope for the recovery of the two surviving passengers.

Key Takeaways:

• A sudden tree fall led to a fatal crash on County Road 474, killing a Groveland man.
• Two passengers were critically and seriously injured, requiring air transport to local hospitals.
• The dump truck driver involved in the crash was uninjured and remained at the scene.
• Seatbelt usage in the Ford remains unknown as the investigation is ongoing.

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