A 59-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, both from New Port Richey, suffered serious injuries following a crash involving a utility pole along US-19 on Tuesday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:05 a.m. when a Ford Taurus traveling northbound on US-19 near Cypress Drive lost control, departed the roadway, and collided with a utility pole.
Both occupants of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and became trapped inside, requiring an extended extrication by firefighters. Crews from Dunedin Fire Rescue, Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, and Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue assisted at the scene and with the rescue efforts.
Due to the severity of their injuries, both patients were airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment.
A dog was in the vehicle and was taken to a local veterinary clinic for assessment.
Traffic along US-19 was impacted for more than an hour while emergency crews worked the scene. All lanes reopened at approximately 8:45 a.m.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.