POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash that killed four people Friday night in Lake Wales, Polk County.
The collision happened around 10:30 p.m. Friday, on SR 60 just east of County Road 630 near Indian Lake Estates, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, 83-year-old Phillip Penatello of Hobe Sound was speeding in his 2005 gray Ford F-150, in the eastbound lanes and tried to pass a vehicle in front of him.
Penatello’s truck struck a westbound-vehicle before he continued heading east in the westbound lane and struck Wagner Salvador’s 2008 Nissan Altima head-on. Penatello was flown to Lake Region Medical center where he died.
Devestaintyly Salvador’s passengers included 45-year-old Veruska Salvador, who died at the scene, 12-year-old Ashley Salvador; transported to Lake Wales Medical Center, where she died and 11-year-old Albert Salvador, who died at the scene.
Wagner Salvador, 42, who suffered numerous injuries was airlifted to Osceola Regional and is listed in stable condition.
The drivers of two other vehicles involved in the crash only suffered minor injuries but were not hospitalized. The crash remains under investigation and we will update this as information comes in.