HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA — A 25-year-old Webster woman died Saturday evening after her Jeep Cherokee ran a red light at the intersection of US Highway 98 and Kettering Road and struck a gasoline tanker that was traveling through the intersection on a green signal. The SUV ended up trapped beneath the tanker’s trailer. The truck driver was not injured.
Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. on September 5. The tractor-trailer, driven by a 53-year-old St. Petersburg man, was traveling northbound on Kettering Road when the eastbound Jeep entered the intersection against a red light and collided with the truck. The woman was extricated from the SUV and transported to an area hospital where she died from her injuries.
Hernando County Fire Rescue confirmed the sole occupant of the SUV was extricated at the scene. Community members noted that the intersection has a history of crashes.
Among the most heartbreaking details reported from the scene — community members who viewed footage or photos said they could see a baby playpen and other infant items near the SUV, leading many to believe the young woman was a mother. “Someone’s baby lost a parent. This is terrible,” one person wrote.
Others noted the potential for further tragedy given the nature of the cargo. The gasoline tanker did not catch fire.
Community accounts courtesy of eyewitnesses.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
