LAKE WALES, Polk County, Fla., Oct. 24, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash with a rollover shut down lanes near Hwy 27 and Waverley Rd in Lake Wales on Thursday afternoon, October 22, according to Polk County Fire Rescue.
Crews were dispatched at about 4:32 p.m. to the intersection area after the collision. One of the vehicles reportedly rolled into a nearby ditch, and rescuers worked a possible entrapment at the scene.
Authorities warned of travel delays in the area while units cleared the wreck. The number and severity of any injuries have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation. It is not yet known what led to the collision or whether any citations are expected.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Lake Wales, FL
The crash was reported at Hwy 27 and Waverley Rd in Lake Wales. For more crash news from the area, see our Polk County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a vehicle to roll over?
Rollovers usually happen when a vehicle's tires catch an edge, curb, or soft shoulder while moving at speed, or when a driver overcorrects after drifting off the roadway. Top-heavy vehicles like trucks and SUVs are more prone to tipping during a sharp swerve.
Are some roads more likely to see rollover crashes?
Rural highways and roads with higher speed limits, like Hwy 27, tend to see more rollovers than slower city streets, since higher speed gives a vehicle more energy to tip over once it leaves its lane.
What injuries are common in rollover crashes?
Occupants can suffer head, neck, and spinal injuries, especially if they are thrown against the roof or window during the roll. Seatbelt use significantly lowers the chance of being ejected or thrown around inside the vehicle.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in Lake Wales, FL
If you're involved in a rollover, stay as still as possible until you can check for injuries, since adrenaline can mask pain from a head or spinal injury. If you can move safely and the vehicle isn't in immediate danger, wait for first responders rather than trying to climb out of a tipped vehicle on your own. Get checked by a medical provider even if you feel fine at the scene, since some injuries from a rollover don't show symptoms right away. Keep a copy of the fire department or sheriff's office report for your records, and follow up with your insurer once you have it.
