LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland driver was killed on Friday after they slammed into the rear of a semi-truck, authorities said.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the fatal crash that occurred at about 12:40 p.m. at the intersection of Old Soldier Road and U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland.
According to a sheriff’s office report, a semi-truck was carrying a trailer of metal pipes from a construction area and was making a left turn from Old Soldier Road onto the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 98 North.
The Toyota Corolla was traveling south on U.S. 98 North and collided with the rear end of the semi-truck while it was making its turn, officials said.
The driver of the Toyota, a 58-year-old person from Lakeland, was killed.
Polk County deputies and firefighters responded to the scene.
The Florida Department of Transportation also responded by assisting in shutting down all lanes of Highway 98 North.
The road remained closed until 6 p.m.
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