FLORIDA — A man died after a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night in Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the crash occurred around 8:05 p.m. on Church Avenue near Carter Road.
Investigators said a dump truck hauling millings from a nearby road construction project was making a U-turn from southbound Church Avenue into the outside northbound lane. As the truck completed the turn, a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban approached from behind in the same lane.
According to the sheriff’s office, the dump truck attempted to swerve left, but the right side of the Suburban struck the rear of the truck. The impact tore off the Suburban’s right side, and the vehicle spun into the median and flipped. The driver was ejected.
Deputies said the driver was not wearing a seat belt and the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy.
First responders found the driver conscious and alert with what initially appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. Construction workers nearby helped free him after he became partially trapped under the vehicle.
He was taken to a hospital, where his condition rapidly worsened and he later died from his injuries, authorities said.
Deputies reported no signs of impairment from the dump truck driver. However, they said an odor of alcohol was detected on the Suburban driver at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
