Fiery Crash Closes US19 and Driver Arrested for DUI
September 28, 2014
Pinellas Crash on September 27, 2014 at 9:20PM on US-19 and Estancia Blvd
A 2013 two-door Mercedes-Benz driven by 36 year-old Robert Nelligan of Tampa was traveling northbound in the inside center lane of US HWY 19 approaching Estancia Boulevard at a high rate of speed during rain and wet road conditions. His passenger in the vehicle was 36 year-old John King of Merritt Island.
Temitope Babalola, age 35, or St. Petersburg was traveling southbound in a 1994 4-door Honda on US HWY 19 and made a U-Turn at Estancia Bouldvard in front of the Mercedes. Unable to avoid a collision, the Mercedes collided with the Honda which then crossed the median divider into the southbound lanes and burst into flames.
Robert Nelligan, the driver of the Mercedes, was later arrested by FHP Troopers for DUI and taken to the Pinellas County Jail where he refused a provide a breath sample. He is also ticketed for careless driving.
Both drivers are being described as having minor injuries and the passenger was uninjured according to the Florida Highway Patrol.