Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have cited a 69 year-old male driver following a crash that occurred on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 in Palm Harbor.
The male driver was traveling northbound on US-19 in the left turn lane at the intersection with Highlands Boulevard. A 20 year-old female was traveling southbound on US-19 in the inside lane, north of Highlands Boulevard.
The male driver made a left turn in his vehicle into the path of the woman driving southbound on US-19.
Troopers say that the two vehicles collided nearly head-on at the intersection.
The woman’s vehicle was redirected across all southbound travel lanes and into the driveway access of 34092 US-19 where the
vehicle struck the Wendy’s Restaurant resulting in an estimated $15,000 in damage.
The male driver of the vehicle was flown by Bayflite 3 to St. Joseph’s Hospital with serious injuries.
The female driver and her passengers, ages 22 and 17, were transported to Mease Countyside Hospital for further medical care and evaluation. Their injuries reportedly ranged from broken bones to burns.
The male driver was cited for making an improper turn.