Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and firefighters from Oldsmar Fire Rescue were dispatched to the area of St. Petersburg Drive and Bayview Boulevard for reports of multiple pedestrians struck by a vehicle. The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022.
According to investigators, 40 year-old pedestrian Yanitza Ortega of Spring Hill and her 10 year-old and 6 year-old daughters, were standing on the north side of W. St. Petersburg Drive, waiting to cross southbound.
A 2010 Nissan Altima, driven by a 40 year-old male driver from Tampa, was traveling westbound on W. St. Petersburg Drive, when Ortega and her daughters entered the roadway and were struck by his vehicle.
Investigators say there are no traffic control devices at the intersection of W. St. Petersburg Drive and Bayview Boulevard and the vehicle had the right-of-way. The pedestrians were not in a designated crosswalk at the time of the crash.
All three female victims were transported to the hospital. Ortega and her 6 year-old daughter were transported to Mease Countryside Hospital. The 6 year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital. Ortega was treated for non life-threatening injuries. Her 10 year-old daughter was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospial for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
According to investigators, speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in this crash.
The investigation continues.
All lanes of St. Petersburg Drive will remain closed in the area of Bayview Boulevard for several hours during the onsite investigation.
Heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic was seen in the area due to the 62nd Annual Oldsmar Days and Nights Event which is being held March 25 through March 27 at nearby R.E. Olds Park at 107 Shore Drive West. This event includes a carnival and rides.