Two people are dead and another is in critical condition after a van collided with a semi on Highway 60 E, early on Saturday morning.
Authorities said, a tractor trailor driven by Clifford L. Smith, 60, of Lakeland was heading east on Highway 60, when a Chevrolet Astro van drove into its direct path.
31-year-old Jonathan A. Bretch who was driving the van failed to stop at the stop sign, authorities said.
Smith attempted to avoid the collison, but the semi struck the driver’s side of the van.
The semi crossed the median, “Jack-Knifed” and entered the westbound travel lanes of SR 60. It continued northeast, where it impacted a fence and a citrus tree.
Bretch, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Polk County authorities said, two unrestrained passengers were ejected from the van. One passenger, Renee D. Fowler, 41, of Lake Wales also died at the scene.
A second passenger, Joel M. Grimes, 45, also of Lake Wales was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.
Smith was initially transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center with minor injuries but was treated and released.
Highway 60 E was shut down for several hours while deputies investigated the crash.
The investigation is on-going.
