HAINES CITY, Polk County, Fla., Nov. 10, 2026 — Three people were hurt on Saturday night, November 7, in a three-vehicle crash near Lake Hatchineha Road and Watkins Road in Haines City, according to emergency dispatch reports.
The crash was reported around 9:32 p.m., when two of the three vehicles collided head-on. All three vehicles sustained heavy damage. One person was trapped in a vehicle and had to be extricated.
Responders designated the call a Level 1 mass casualty incident. Three people were classified as trauma alerts, including two adults and one child. The child and one adult were taken by ground ambulance, and two more patients requested transport. A helicopter was put on standby and a landing zone was set up near the scene, though it is not clear whether it was used to transport anyone.
The road was closed in both directions while crews worked the scene and reopened around midnight. The cause of the crash and whether anyone will face charges has not been released, and the extent of each patient's injuries was not detailed in the report.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Intersection Safety in Florida
The crash was reported at Lake Hatchineha Road and Watkins Road in Haines City. For more on crashes at intersections across Florida, see our guide to Florida intersections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a car drifts into my lane?
Remember to slow down, move right if possible, and sound your horn to alert the other driver. Avoid swerving sharply into oncoming traffic in the opposite lane, since that can create a new collision risk.
What injuries are common in head-on crashes?
Head-on impacts frequently cause chest and head trauma, broken bones and internal injuries, since both vehicles' forward speed combines at the moment of impact.
What causes head-on collisions?
Common causes include a driver crossing the centerline due to distraction, impairment, fatigue, or attempting to pass unsafely, though the specific cause of any individual crash is determined by investigators.
Why are head-on crashes so severe?
Because both vehicles are typically moving toward each other, the combined speed at impact is higher than in most other crash types, increasing the risk of serious injury.
