Tampa man dies in head-on collision with semi-truck while trying to pass slower traffic

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa man is dead following a head-on collision with a semi-truck in an overnight crash just north of Lakeland.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue responded to the crash around 3:16 a.m. Saturday morning to the area of US 98 North at Earnest Road.

Investigation revealed that the 36-year-old Tampa man was driving southbound in a pickup truck on US 98 North when he attempted to pass another southbound vehicle, therefore entering the northbound lanes.

At the same time, a semi-truck was traveling northbound on US 98.

The sheriff’s office said the driver of the semi-truck and his passenger were not injured during the crash. However, the Tampa man died instantly.

Officials had closed the road for nearly five hours following the collision.

Polk officials said no criminal or civil charges are expected. This remains an ongoing investigation.

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