US-19 in Palm Harbor reopens following fiery crash

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, an 18-year-old male driver from Seminole, Florida was traveling southbound on US-19, south of Colonial Boulevard.

Reportedly to avoid another vehicle changing lanes, the driver entered the west grass shoulder and collided with the guidewires of a utility pole.

The utility pole split in half; however, the power lines remained in the air above the roadway. The driver was able to exit the vehicle which became fully engulfed in flames and was unharmed.

The incident closed all southbound lanes until approximately 3:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol.