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13-year-old dead, 3 other teens injured after crash in Highlands County

FHP said the driver was attempting to flee a traffic stop
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HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — An attempted traffic stop led to a crash that killed a 13-year-old boy and injured three other teenagers in Highlands County on Tuesday.

The Florida Highway Patrol said troopers attempted to pull over a 2021 Kia Forte for speeding on US 27 around 9:50 p.m.

The Kia attempted to flee and, as a result, crashed into the rear of a 2012 Ford E350.

A 13-year-old boy who was a passenger in the Kia was seriously injured during the crash and later passed away at a local hospital.

The Kia's driver, an 18-year-old man, was injured and taken to a hospital. He currently has criminal charges pending.

Two other passengers of the Kia, a 16-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, were both injured and taken to local hospitals. The girl is in serious condition.

The Ford's driver was uninjured.

"It's a great feeling to know that she's going to be okay."
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