WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has released additional details regarding the fatal traffic crash that occurred this morning on Spirit Lake Road.
The incident, which took place at Spirit Lake Road and Oak Tree Boulevard (in front of the Winter Haven Oaks Retirement Community), involved a passenger vehicle and a Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) ambulance that was traveling in emergency mode.
The PCSO reports that 83-year-old Elaine Dunn of Winter Haven was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.
Incident Details
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred when Ms. Dunn, driving a 1999 red Chevy Monte Carlo, attempted a left turn (northbound) onto Spirit Lake Road while exiting her community.
In doing so, her vehicle reportedly entered the path of the oncoming southbound ambulance, which had its lights and sirens engaged. Both vehicles then collided. Ms. Dunn was wearing her seatbelt.
Ambulance Occupants Treated and Released
The PCFR ambulance was occupied by two crew members: 22-year-old driver Kaley Hebb and passenger Robin Fletcher. Both were wearing their seatbelts.
The two PCFR members were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated for injuries and subsequently released. There were no other passengers in the ambulance.
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PCSO deputies were initially dispatched at approximately 10:03 a.m., and the agency’s Traffic Homicide Unit has since responded to the scene, taking control of the ongoing investigation.
Spirit Lake Road remains shut down as the crash investigation continues. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.
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