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Driver killed in fiery crash involving box truck, semi-truck on Polk Parkway

By
Updated  February 19, 2025 9:20am EST
Polk County
FOX 13 News

The Brief

    • The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash on the Polk Parkway.
    • It happened early Wednesday on the eastbound side of the toll road east of the exit to U.S. 98/Bartow Rd.
    • No further details on the crash have been released.

LAKELAND, Fla. - A driver died after a box truck rear-ended a semi-truck on the Polk Parkway, causing a fire and blocking traffic for hours, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

What we know:

The crash happened just before 2:15 a.m. Wednesday on the eastbound side of the toll road east of the exit to U.S. 98/Bartow Rd, troopers said.

The driver of a box truck died early Wednesday after rear-ending a semi truck on the Polk Parkway, troopers said. (Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol.)

The driver of a box truck died early Wednesday after rear-ending a semi truck on the Polk Parkway, troopers said. (Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol.)

According to FHP, a semi-truck slowed down moments before the box truck crashed into it, causing the box truck to burst into flames.

The driver of the box truck died at the scene while the driver of the semi-truck was not injured, investigators said.

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What we don't know:

FHP said the driver who died has not been identified.

The Source: This story was written using information from the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida 511.

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