LABELLE, Hendry County, Fla., Nov. 12, 2026 — A 34-year-old LaBelle woman died after a crash on County Road 78 on Wednesday afternoon, November 11, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The two-vehicle crash involved a pickup truck and a dump truck near Hidden Hammock Drive.
The crash happened around 5 p.m. near 6978 County Road 78, troopers said. The woman was driving a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado east on County Road 78 and was coming out of a curve just east of Hidden Hammock Drive when the crash occurred.
A 2022 Kenworth dump truck was headed west on County Road 78 through the same curve, approaching Hidden Hammock Drive. Investigators said the pickup crossed the double yellow centerline into the westbound lane, putting it in the truck's path. The pickup sideswiped the dump truck, continued east, and went into a canal along the westbound shoulder.
The woman suffered critical injuries and later died at an area hospital. The dump truck driver, a 48-year-old LaBelle man, was not hurt. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in LaBelle, FL
This fatal crash happened on 6978 County Road 78 in LaBelle, FL. We cover crashes across Hendry County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Hendry County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal? High speeds, head-on or sideswipe impacts, and crossing into oncoming traffic typically raise the risk of a fatal outcome, especially when a passenger vehicle collides with a much heavier truck.
How does speed affect crash survivability? Higher speeds increase the force of impact and reduce the time a driver has to react, which lowers the chances of walking away from a crash.
Why does seat belt use matter so much? A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown from the vehicle or slammed into the interior, which commonly makes the difference in serious crashes.
What should families do after a fatal crash? Families typically can request the official crash report from the investigating agency, in this case the Florida Highway Patrol, once it becomes available.
