TARPON SPRINGS — Tarpon Springs police are investigating a serious early Tuesday morning crash that left multiple people injured after officers reportedly pulled a woman from a vehicle that caught fire following the collision.
According to the Tarpon Springs Police Department, officers and firefighters responded at approximately 2:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, to a two-vehicle crash on southbound U.S. Highway 19 near East Tarpon Avenue.
Investigators said the crash occurred just north of the intersection and involved a red 2022 Hyundai sedan and a silver 2010 Chevrolet SUV.
First responders reportedly rescued a female occupant from the Hyundai after the vehicle caught fire following the crash. She was transported to a local trauma center as a trauma alert. A male occupant of the Hyundai also sustained injuries and was transported to a trauma center as a trauma alert.
A third occupant of the Hyundai suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The three occupants in the Chevy refused transport to the hospital.
The Tarpon Springs Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is leading the investigation. Detectives said they have not yet identified who was driving the Hyundai because those involved have provided conflicting statements regarding who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 19 at East Tarpon Avenue remain closed while investigators process the scene and crews complete cleanup efforts.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area for the next several hours and seek alternate routes.
Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact Detective Hurley at 727-938-2849.