Two people died in a traffic crash at the intersection of Highway 17 South and Ernest M. Smith Boulevard in Bartow Saturday morning.
The driver of a northbound four-door car attempted to turn west on Ernest M. Smith Blvd and was struck by a passenger van traveling south on Highway 17 about 9:25 a.m. Saturday.
Two passengers in the car died in the crash, according to the Bartow Police Department. The drivers of the car and passenger van were taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation continues.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time.
Traffic was rerouted in the area for about three hours while the preliminary investigation was conducted. Both roads are open to traffic.
