Mulberry, FL (February 13, 2026) – A man died following a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday night on Church Ave near Carter Rd in Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Details
- Location: Church Ave near Carter Rd, Mulberry
- Reported: Wednesday, February 11, during the evening hours
- Type: Two-vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV
- Vehicles: A dump truck hauling construction material and a Chevrolet Suburban
- Victim: Adult male driver of the Suburban
What We Know So Far
- Deputies say a dump truck hauling material from a nearby construction site attempted a U-turn on Church Ave.
- After completing the turn, the truck was positioned in the outside lane when a Suburban traveling in the same direction struck the left rear of the truck as the driver tried to swerve.
- The impact tore off the right side of the Suburban, causing it to rotate, enter the median, and flip. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.
- The SUV came to rest approximately 80 feet from the initial point of impact, while the truck stopped on the east shoulder.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact speed of the vehicles involved.
- Whether any citations or charges will be filed.
- The full sequence of events leading up to the U-turn attempt.
Local Context
Church Ave in Mulberry serves both residential neighborhoods and active construction areas, with trucks frequently entering and exiting job sites. Two-lane roadways in developing areas can present added risks when large commercial vehicles attempt wide turns or U-turns. Evening hours may also reduce visibility for drivers approaching work zones. When a serious crash occurs along corridors like Church Ave, deputies typically secure the roadway for investigation and debris removal, especially when heavy vehicles and significant vehicle damage are involved. Limited alternate routes in some sections can contribute to temporary traffic delays while the scene is processed.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved in a crash, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with law enforcement so the incident can be properly documented.
- If it is safe, take photos of vehicle positions, damage, and any nearby road features or construction signage.
- Always wear a seat belt and ensure passengers are properly restrained to reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision.
FAQ
Q: Why is wearing a seat belt so important in a crash?
A: Seat belts help prevent occupants from being ejected and significantly reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a collision.
Q: Why are crashes involving large trucks often severe?
A: Large trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles, which can increase the force of impact and the extent of vehicle damage.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means deputies are reviewing evidence, witness statements, and scene details to determine exactly how the collision occurred.
