Polk County, FL (September 23, 2025) – A devastating crash on Interstate 4 claimed the lives of three people Sunday afternoon, leaving only a 6-year-old girl as the sole survivor, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. when a 60-year-old Tampa man was driving a Toyota SUV eastbound on I-4. Troopers say the driver lost control of the vehicle near the interchange with State Road 570. The SUV veered off the south shoulder of the highway, struck a tree, and then continued up an embankment. It collided with a guardrail, vaulted over the eastbound lanes of SR-570, hit another tree, and overturned.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the severity of the crash left little chance for survival. The driver, along with an 83-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman—both passengers in the SUV—were pronounced dead at the scene.
Miraculously, a 6-year-old girl traveling in the vehicle survived the crash. She sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Traffic in the area was heavily affected as multiple lanes were closed to allow troopers and investigators to process the scene. FHP is continuing to investigate what led the driver to lose control of the vehicle, though no external factors have yet been publicly identified.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. We also extend our thoughts to the young survivor and hope for her full physical and emotional recovery.
Fatal Car Accidents in Polk County, Florida
Sunday’s tragic crash on I-4 highlights the alarming rate of serious and fatal collisions occurring on Florida’s highways—particularly in Polk County. According to the Florida Crash Dashboard, the county has already recorded over 8,600 crashes this year, with 6,809 injuries and 58 deaths. The severity of these numbers reflects ongoing challenges around highway safety, speed control, and driver attentiveness.
Interstate 4 is a notoriously dangerous stretch of roadway, regularly cited as one of the deadliest highways in the country. High traffic volumes, shifting lanes, and fast-moving vehicles create an environment where even a momentary loss of control can result in catastrophe—especially near interchanges like SR-570.
The dynamics of this crash—multiple impacts, a vehicle vaulting across lanes, and a rollover—suggest a high-speed incident where survivability was slim. For the surviving child, the road to healing will likely extend far beyond physical recovery, requiring long-term emotional and psychological support.
When fatal crashes occur, they leave behind grieving families, unanswered questions, and complex legal and financial burdens. From medical care for survivors to securing benefits or compensation, the aftermath of such incidents is often overwhelming.
For communities, tragedies like this serve as urgent reminders to prioritize roadway safety through better infrastructure, education, and enforcement. For victims and their families, timely access to resources and support can help make sense of the chaos and begin the path forward.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a fatal collision in Florida, know that help is available—from grief support to legal guidance and beyond.
One moment can change everything. At Local Accident Reports, we work to connect victims and families with the help they need—whether it’s legal assistance, medical guidance, or emotional support. Don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact us today to take the first step toward recovery.
