St. Petersburg: A crash involving two SUVs occurred at approximately 3:22 p.m. at the intersection of 34th Street South and Fairfield Avenue.
The crash resulted in the death of one driver and injuries to multiple individuals, including young children.
According to authorities, a black Volkswagen SUV driven by 34-year-old Viola McDuffie of St. Petersburg was traveling eastbound on Fairfield Avenue South with two young children as passengers.
At the same time, a white Saturn Vue was also heading eastbound and attempting to turn north onto 34th Street South.
For reasons still under investigation, McDuffie’s vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed before crashing into the Saturn. The Volkswagen then rolled and struck a power pole on the east side of 34th Street South.
McDuffie was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two children in her vehicle sustained serious injuries and were transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the Saturn was taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital with injuries but is in stable condition. Four children who were passengers in the Saturn were also transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
The crash remains under investigation.
Authorities closed all lanes of 34th Street South between 6th Avenue South and 7th Avenue South while investigators examined the scene.