LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A devastating hit-and-run crash in Lake County has claimed the life of an adult female and left several others injured.
The crash occurred around 1:47 PM on State Road 44 and Forest Ridge Road in Eustis. According to preliminary investigations by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a semi-truck traveling eastbound on SR-44 lost control of its trailer while attempting to slow down.
The trailer veered into the westbound lane, striking a Nissan Sentra head-on. The impact caused the Sentra to spin into the eastbound lane, where it collided with a Ford E-450 van.
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Tragically, the driver of the Nissan Sentra was airlifted to a local hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Ford van and his passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
The driver of the semi-truck failed to stop and fled the scene. FHP is actively seeking information about the semi-truck, described as having a blue cab and silver trailer.
State Road 44 is currently closed in both directions as FHP continues its investigation. Traffic is being diverted at County Road 42 and Royal Trails Blvd.
Anyone with information about the crash or the hit-and-run driver is urged to contact FHP at 407-737-2213 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
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