Walton County, FL (February 10, 2026) – Two children, ages 7 and 4, were killed in a tragic crash involving a tractor trailer on I-10 in Walton County Sunday evening. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 5:50 p.m. on I-10 east near mile marker 86. A 34-year-old man from Bonifay was driving an SUV with the two children as passengers when he rear-ended a tractor trailer in front of him. The impact caused the SUV to overturn several times in the median. A second tractor trailer then rear-ended the first tractor trailer. The two children tragically died at the scene, while the 34-year-old man sustained serious injuries. Both tractor trailer drivers were unharmed. The eastbound lanes were completely blocked as responders worked, and the westbound lane was reduced to one lane. The Florida Highway Patrol’s Commercial Motor Vehicle and Traffic Homicide teams are investigating the incident with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Details
- Location: I-10 East, near mile marker 86, Walton County
- Reported: February 9, 2026 at 5:50 p.m.
- Fatalities: 7-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy
- Injury: 34-year-old man from Bonifay, serious injuries
- Incident: Rear-end collision followed by SUV rollover and subsequent crash with another tractor trailer
What We Know So Far
- The 34-year-old man rear-ended a tractor trailer, causing the SUV to overturn in the median.
- A second tractor trailer rear-ended the first, causing further disruption to traffic.
- The two children in the SUV were killed, and the driver sustained serious injuries.
- Both tractor trailer drivers were uninjured in the crash.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The cause of the rear-end collision by the SUV, including whether the driver was distracted or impaired.
- The specific details surrounding the SUV’s impact with the first tractor trailer.
- Whether any other contributing factors, such as weather or road conditions, played a role.
Local Context
I-10 in Walton County is a major east-west route that sees significant traffic. The crash occurred during peak travel hours, and the eastbound lanes were completely blocked as crews worked the scene, leading to significant delays. Commercial vehicles, such as tractor trailers, are common on this stretch of road, and accidents involving them can cause severe damage due to the size and weight difference compared to passenger vehicles.
What to Do Next
- If you are involved in a collision, ensure everyone is safe, call 911, and provide details about the incident to authorities.
- Always maintain a safe distance from larger vehicles and be alert when traveling near commercial trucks.
- If you witness a crash, offer information to law enforcement and remain at the scene if possible.
- Pay attention to road closures or detours when traveling in areas affected by major accidents or emergency response activities.
FAQ
Q: Why do truck accidents cause such severe injuries?
A: Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means collisions involving trucks can lead to significant damage and injuries.
Q: What should I do if I see an accident involving a commercial vehicle?
A: Remain at a safe distance, avoid blocking traffic, and report the incident to authorities if you are a witness.
Q: What causes rear-end collisions with commercial trucks?
A: Rear-end collisions with trucks can occur due to sudden stops, driver distraction, or poor visibility, particularly in high-traffic areas or during adverse weather conditions.
