ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Three people were killed late Sunday afternoon in a crash on County Road 54 in Zephyrhills.
- Passengers, ages 11 and 12, seriously injured
- Crash happened as a strong storm moved through the area
- Residents say stretch of road can be dangerous
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened on County Road 54 at Berry Road just after 7 p.m. as a strong storm moved through the area, creating dark skies and a wet road.
Authorities said the crash happened when the driver of a westbound Mazda 6 sedan attempted to pass the car in front, entered the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a Toyota Camry.
The driver of the Mazda, Elvin Michael Benitez, 30, of Zephyrhills, died at the scene. Two children in the vehicle, ages 12 and 11, were taken to area hospitals in serious condition.
The driver of the Toyota, 38-year-old Dennis George Wilkes of Lakeland, was killed. The passenger in the Toyota, 27-year-old Christtina A. Farmer of Winter Haven, also was killed.
People who live in the area have long said this stretch of road in Zephyrhills can be dangerous. A number of serious and fatal crashes have happened along this area of the roadway in recent years.
Just three weeks ago, two young women were killed in a crash in the area.
Troopers reopened the roadway early Monday.
An investigation is ongoing and more information into the crash will be provided as it becomes available.