LAKE WALES, Polk County, Fla., Oct. 22, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash with a rollover left one person trapped on Wednesday afternoon, October 21, near South Buckmore Road and Highway 60 in Lake Wales. Lake Wales Fire, Polk County Fire Rescue and Lake Wales Police responded to the scene.
The crash was reported around 1:47 p.m. in the area where South Buckmore Road meets Highway 60, according to Lake Wales Police. A blue pickup truck ended up on its side with a driver trapped inside. Responding units requested that fire and EMS crews expedite their arrival because of the entrapment.
A medical helicopter was placed on standby as crews worked to free the trapped occupant.
Southbound lanes of South Buckmore Road were shut down while crews worked the scene. Drivers in the area were warned to expect major delays.
The crash remains under investigation. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
More Crash News from Polk County
This multi-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of South Buckmore Road and Highway 60 in Lake Wales, FL. For other recent crashes near Lake Wales, FL, visit our Polk County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are common in rollover crashes?
Rollovers often cause head, neck, and spinal injuries, along with broken bones, especially when an occupant is thrown against the roof or window during the roll.
What causes a vehicle to roll over?
Rollovers can occur when a vehicle trips on a curb, a soft shoulder, or another car, or when a driver overcorrects or takes a turn too fast, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side or roof.
Why are rollover crashes so dangerous?
The vehicle's cabin can collapse or deform during the roll, and occupants are at higher risk of being partially or fully ejected if they are not properly restrained.
Which vehicles are most prone to rollovers?
Taller, narrower vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more likely to tip over than low-slung passenger cars.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in Lake Wales, FL
If you're involved in a rollover, stay as still as possible until emergency crews confirm it's safe to move, especially if the vehicle is on its side or roof. Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine, since injuries like concussions or internal trauma can take hours to show symptoms. Once you're safe, write down what you remember about the moments before the crash while the details are fresh. If you're a witness, stay back from the scene but let responding officers know what you saw. Follow up with Lake Wales Police for an official crash report once one is available.
