Two people killed, a third injured in fiery two-vehicle crash Tuesday night in SE Ocala
Two people were killed and a third injured Tuesday night in a fiery two-vehicle crash along Southeast 36th Avenue in Ocala. Here's what we know:
Investigating agency: Ocala Police Department.
Where did the crash occur? Near the 1500 block of Southeast 36th Avenue.
How many vehicles were involved? Two: a Mazda Miata and a Mercedes GLC 300.
Do officers know what happened? Yes. Police officials said the Mazda and the Mercedes were southbound in the outside lane of 36th Avenue approaching SE 15th Street.
Law enforcement officials said the Mercedes was behind the Mazda. The Mercedes struck the back of the Mazda, sending it into a concreate utility pole. The car returned to the roadway and overturned at least once.
At some point, the car caught fire and a man who was in the vehicle was ejected. Several investigators, who were called to the scene, are trying to determine the exact speed of the Mercedes. The speed limit on the roadway is 40 mph.
What was the scene like? Police officials closed three blocks along 36th Avenue so investigators wouldn't be interrupted.
Debris from the concrete utility pole was on the sidewalk and roadway. Vehicle parts and other items were also in the road.
At 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, the road was still closed so utility workers could replaced the broken pole and the street could be be cleaned. The roadway was opened a few hours later.
Any information about the victims? Law enforcement officials said a 17-year-old boy was behind the wheel of the luxury SUV. Officials said the teen was hospitalized, but has since been released. Authorities said his injuries were not considered serious.
The victims in the Mazda were identified as an adult man and woman. The man was pronounced deceased on scene. The woman was trapped in the car on the passenger's side and died there.
Both are from Ocala and believed to be in their 30s, police officials said. Police officials are investigating to see if the man and woman knew each other.
Authorities are trying to find the families of the victims before releasing any more details about them. They would like anyone who witnessed the crash, has any videos of the crash, or knows anything about the wreck to call (352) 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP.
Pedestrian death: Elderly man dies after he and wife are hit by vehicle
Was any other agency involved? Yes. Ashley Lopez, a spokeswoman for Ocala Fire Rescue, said the call came in to her agency as a vehicle crash with rollover and a vehicle on fire. Lopez said when first responders arrived, the car was on fire. Firefighters quickly put out the blaze.
What's the city's count for traffic deaths? So far in 2024, three people have died in traffic crashes in the city of Ocala. In 2023, the number was 10.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Fiery fatal crash in 1500 block of SE 36th Avenue in Ocala
