POINCIANA, Fla. — Three people were killed Tuesday night in a two-vehicle crash in Poinciana, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
- 3 people killed in fiery Polk County crash; no survivors
- Authorities closed the roadways near the crash
- Deputies have not yet identified the victims
The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. at the intersection of Marigold Avenue and Bell Tower Crossing in unincorporated Polk County.
According to Sheriff Grady Judd, a deputy saw a red vehicle speeding northbound on Marigold Avenue toward Poinciana.
The deputy followed the car but discovered, as he went around a curve, that it had crashed head-on into a white Sedan traveling southbound on Marigold.
Judd said the preliminary investigation shows that the driver of the red sports car crossed over a double-yellow centerline and hit the Sedan, propelling it into a ditch. The driver of the red car has been identified as Emmanuel Lashawn Macedo Semedo of Poinciana. He was 19 years old.
There were reportedly two adults in the white vehicle. They were both pronounced dead on scene. Their IDs have not been released.
The sports car was "engulfed in flames," but the deputy said he was able to get the driver out and perform CPR. Ultimately, the adult male was also pronounced.
A witness, Yohan Torres, described what he saw when he arrived at the scene.
"I was nervous and wished I could do more," he said.
The investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff's Office is looking into the possibility that a gray pickup a couple of cars back from the 350z may have been speeding as well, and the driver of that vehicle is being sought for an interview.
Detectives encourage any witnesses to the crash to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200.