FROSTPROOF, FLORIDA — A 32-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed Saturday evening after a semi-truck traveling at highway speed failed to recognize stopped traffic at a red light in Frostproof, slamming into the rear of an SUV carrying the woman and triggering a chain reaction that involved two semi-trucks and three passenger vehicles.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the crash occurred just after 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of US Highway 27 and US Highway 98. Three passenger vehicles — a 2008 Honda Civic, a 2010 Toyota Corolla, and a 2021 Toyota Highlander — were stopped in the northbound right lane at a red light. A Volvo semi-truck was stopped in the adjacent left lane.
A 2022 International semi-truck traveling northbound, driven by a 53-year-old Michigan man, failed to recognize the stopped traffic and struck the rear of the Toyota Highlander at highway speed. The impact pushed the Highlander into the side of the Volvo semi before sending it through the intersection, where it came to rest on the northeast corner. The Highlander sustained catastrophic rear-end damage with significant intrusion into the passenger compartment.
The 32-year-old woman from Avon Park who was riding in the rear seat of the Highlander was taken to a hospital with critical injuries. She and her unborn child later died despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel.
After striking the Highlander, the International semi continued forward and struck the Toyota Corolla, which was then pushed into the rear of the Honda Civic. The semi continued off the roadway, crossed an open field, and traveled approximately 400 feet before coming to rest in a ditch.
A 37-year-old Avon Park woman who was driving the Corolla remains the most seriously injured survivor. The driver of the International semi suffered minor injuries and was treated and released. All other victims were either treated and released or are expected to recover. All occupants appeared to have been wearing seatbelts.
US-27 was closed for approximately six hours while investigators worked the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
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