High-Speed Crash on SR-400 Injures 73-Year-Old Woman

Photo byCourtesy of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)

Published May 10th, 2024

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – A high-speed collision early Thursday morning on SR-400 resulted in serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident took place at approximately 3:16 AM, west of Branch Forbes Road.

A Ford Mustang, driven by a 22-year-old man from Wimauma, was reported traveling eastbound on SR-400 at a high rate of speed. Ahead on the same route, a Cadillac Deville, operated by a 73-year-old woman from Auburndale, had become disabled and was parked along the outside shoulder of the highway.

The Mustang, failing to maintain control as it approached the stationary Cadillac, veered off the travel lanes and collided with the parked vehicle. The impact was severe enough to push the Cadillac forward into the grass shoulder and cause the Mustang to overturn and also end up on the grass shoulder.

Photo byCourtesy of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

The driver of the Cadillac, who was inside her vehicle at the time of the collision, sustained serious injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital. The younger driver of the Mustang suffered minor injuries and received medical attention at the same hospital.

The crash led to temporary lane closures on SR-400 as emergency crews and law enforcement officials conducted preliminary investigations and cleared the accident scene. Traffic was affected for several hours, creating early morning delays for commuters.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash, focusing on the high speed of the Mustang as a potential contributing factor. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Local officials are using this incident as a reminder of the importance of adhering to speed limits and exercising caution while driving, especially near disabled vehicles on roadways.

Photo byISC News & Media