HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A 6-year-old girl has died following a two-vehicle collision involving a Temple Terrace police officer on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at 3:58 PM at the intersection of East Fowler Avenue and North Drive.
State troopers reported that a 36-year-old Tampa woman was driving a Nissan Pathfinder eastbound in the turn lane of East Fowler Avenue. Simultaneously, a 25-year-old male officer from Temple Terrace was traveling westbound in a Ford Explorer police cruiser in the center lane.
The crash occurred when the driver of the Nissan attempted a U-turn at the intersection, entering the path of the oncoming police vehicle. The Ford Explorer struck the Nissan, and the force of the impact sent both vehicles rotating into a ditch on the north side of the roadway.
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Emergency crews transported both drivers and three child passengers from the Nissan to area hospitals with what were initially described as non-life-threatening injuries.
However, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the 6-year-old passenger later died at the hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The other passengers, ages 1 and 8, as well as both drivers, remain under medical care. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.
In a statement Thursday, the Temple Terrace Police Department said, “We are deeply saddened to learn that the female passenger involved in the crash has died as a result of her injuries. On behalf of our entire department, we extend our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
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