Two men were killed in a three-vehicle collision involving a dump truck on State Road 417 in Orange County on Friday morning.
The fatal crash occurred on SR 417 at around 4:45 a.m. on Friday, June 21, north of International Drive (mile marker 6). The vehicles involved were a Toyota Corolla, Ford Maverick, and Mack dump truck, according to a preliminary report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP stated that Ford and Toyota were both heading southbound on SR 417 in the right turn lane, with the Ford traveling ahead of the Toyota.
According to the report, the Ford reduced its speed, which caused the Toyota’s driver to swerve left in an attempt to avoid a collision. Moments later, the right side of the Toyota struck the rear left of the Ford.
After the initial impact, the Toyota became disabled in the center lane. The Ford’s driver was able to come to a controlled stop on the outside shoulder.
The dump truck was traveling southbound on SR 417 in the inside center lane when it approached the disabled Toyota. The driver of the dump truck was unable to stop in time, and a rear-end collision ensued.
The impact from the second collision redirected the dump truck and Toyota to the outside shoulder, where both vehicles struck a guardrail.
The Toyota’s two occupants, 37-year-old Kissimmee man (driver) and 24-year-old Haines City man (passenger), sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
The drivers of the dump truck and Ford – a 21-year-old Kissimmee man and 30-year-old Orlando man, respectively – declined any medical treatment.
The crash remains under investigation, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the southbound lanes of SR 417 are blocked, with only the inside lane open. Motorists should expect delays and find alternate routes if possible.