DEFUNIAK SPRINGS POLICE INVESTIGATING TRAFFIC FATALITY
Officers with the DeFuniak Springs Police responded to a serious traffic crash at approximately 5:30 AM Thursday, February 23, 2012 at U.S. Highway 331 South and I-10. A blue 2 door 1996 Chevrolet car was traveling at a high rate of speed south in the outside lane of U.S. Highway 331 South. A semi-tractor trailer was crossing U.S. Highway 331 South onto the west bound on-ramp of I-10 when the car collided with the trailer. The vehicle overturned, killing the driver and one of the passengers. A third passenger was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with serious injuries.
The DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and Walton County Fire Rescue used extrication equipment to free the passengers and driver. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Transportation, and City of DeFuniak Springs Public Works assisted in traffic control.
The west bound on-ramp to I-10 was closed for approximately an hour for rescuers. The outside south bound lane of U.S. Highway 331 South is closed at this time for the on-going traffic crash investigation. Although the cause of the crash is still under investigation, it is believed that the car was headed to the hospital for a medical emergency.
Further details will be released upon notification of next of kin and the completion of the initial investigation. The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting DeFuniak Springs Police in the investigation.