1 person dead after semi-truck drives into log truck on US 98: PCSO
Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office
LAKELAND, Fla. - One person is dead after two semi-trucks collided with each other on Wednesday, on US 98, just north of Lakeland, according to Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
What we know:
Deputies said the crash happened around 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday.
At that time, it was reported that two semi-trucks collided, according to PCSO.
Upon the arrival of first responders, 44-year-old Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford was found deceased in the cab of a 2008 Volvo semi-tractor with a trailer attached.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 2023 Mack truck with trailer, a 34-year-old Ocala man, was uninjured.
Officials said based on the preliminary investigation, the victim's truck had been heading south on US 98, following behind the Mack log truck, which was hauling a load of tree lumber.
PCSO said the Mack truck entered a left turn lane to proceed east onto State Road 471, but the victim did not notice the truck in front of him slow down. The victim's truck struck the load of timber that was protruding from the rear end of the Mack truck's trailer.
Large pieces of timber pierced into the cab, as well as the trailer and cargo, which in turn caused hazardous material to spill at the scene.
What's next:
Polk County Fire Rescue, the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation and Polk County Road Maintenance were all involved with the clean-up following the crash.
Officials said the timber-hauling truck was in compliance with all safety measures regarding its cargo.
The roadway was closed for around seven hours.
The investigation is still ongoing, but PCSO said there are no criminal or civil charges anticipated.
The Source: This article was written using a release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office.