POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A multi-vehicle collision resulting in four fatalities has forced the total closure of State Road 60 East at Capps Road. The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. during a period of heavy traffic flow just east of Lake Wales.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the crash involved five vehicles and a total of 11 occupants. Preliminary findings from the scene indicate that one vehicle crossed over the center median into the path of oncoming traffic, causing a chain-reaction collision.
Emergency responders confirmed that four of the individuals involved were pronounced dead at the scene; all four victims were traveling in the same vehicle.
Two other victims were transported via air-medevac to local trauma centers, while the remaining survivors were taken to area hospitals by ground ambulance for treatment of various injuries.
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide unit is currently leading the investigation to determine the specific cause of the median breach. No information regarding the identities of the deceased or the condition of the survivors has been released at this time.
State Road 60 remains closed in both directions between Lake Wales and the crash site.
Sheriff Judd stated that the roadway is expected to remain inaccessible for several hours while investigators process the scene and crews remove the wreckage. Officials estimate the road will not reopen until at least 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. local time.
Motorists are advised to utilize alternate routes and avoid the area until further notice.
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