FHP: SUV ran stop sign causing three-vehicle crash on 58th Avenue in Indian River County
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – A sport utility vehicle running a stop sign at an intersection of a busy county road led to the three-vehicle crash this week that injured several people including an infant, according to findings of a Florida Highway Patrol investigation.
Investigators found a black 2016 Acura sport utility vehicle traveling east on 77th Street failed to observe the stop sign and flashing red lights at 58th Avenue near the county fairgrounds around noon Wednesday, according to FHP details of the crash.
A three-vehicle collision occurred in the intersection when the Acura was struck by a southbound silver 2018 Ford F-150 pickup and a northbound white 2020 Chevy landscaping truck hauling a cargo trailer, the report stated.
Fire medical officials said following the crash nine occupants from the vehicles were taken to hospitals in and out of the area, including an infant who was flown to West Palm Beach and another person flown to Melbourne. A 10th person, a child, rode with a parent to a hospital.
No medical updates were available, said Indian River County Fire Rescue Chief David Rattray. Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda said Friday the agency does not provide medical information.
There were four people inside the Acura including the driver, a 43-year-old Vero Beach man, and its passengers, a 26-year-old Vero Beach woman and two children. State troopers cited the driver for careless driving, said Miranda by email. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the citation could result in a fine, penalty points against one's driving record, or both.
The Ford pickup was driven by a woman, 38, from Palmetto Bay in Miami-Dade County and had two additional occupants – a woman whose age and residence were not provided and an infant boy.
More: At least 9 injured in crash at 58th Avenue, 77th Street near Indian River County fairgrounds
At least three people were listed on the FHP report as being occupants of the landscaping truck, including the driver described as a 43-year-old Fort Pierce man along with two passengers, both women, ages 20 and 21 also from Fort Pierce.
All involved sustained what were described as “non-life-threatening injuries” according to the FHP. A Indian River County Sheriff’s Office official said Wednesday the infant had “serious bodily injury.”
Florida Highway Patrol state troopers arrived just before 12:15 p.m., according to the agency’s website.
The Acura SUV came to a stop on its driver side in a canal just south of the intersection, while the wreckage of the pickup and landscaping vehicles blocked north and southbound lanes of 58th Avenue.
The road was closed briefly for the investigation and removal of debris.
FHP does not identify people involved in crashes, citing Marsy's Law.
Introduced in memory of a young woman murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Marsy’s Law was created in 2018 to offer crime victims a slate of rights, including protecting them and their families from harassment by their attackers. Some law enforcement officials have interpreted the statute as applying to any victim, as well as to law enforcement officers being entitled to privacy and having their identity protected.
More: Artist painting mural in downtown Vero Beach wants 'to bring happiness to people ...'
More: Retired Air Force colonel, Blue Angels liaison, helped Vero Beach Air Show, veterans
More: Florida fishing: Snapper is the go-to target; Kingfish, sailfish also in good supply
Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246.
If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: FHP: SUV didn't stop at intersection in Indian River, causing crash
