Walton County, FL (February 11, 2026) – Two children were killed and a man was seriously injured in a crash Saturday evening on eastbound I-10 near the US 331 interchange, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The collision involved an SUV and two semitractor-trailers at mile marker 86.
Key Details
- Location: I-10 eastbound at mile marker 86 near US 331, Walton County
- Reported: Saturday, February 8 at 5:50 p.m.
- Vehicles involved: SUV and two semitractor-trailers
- Injuries: Two children, ages 4 and 7, died; 34-year-old SUV driver seriously injured
- Truck drivers: 71-year-old man from Arizona and 21-year-old man from California, neither injured
- Investigating agency: Florida Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- Troopers said the crash occurred on eastbound I-10 near the US 331 interchange.
- The SUV was driven by a 34-year-old man from Bonifay.
- His passengers, a 7-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, died as a result of the collision.
- The drivers of both semitractor-trailers were not injured.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Authorities have not released details about how the crash unfolded.
- The sequence of impact between the SUV and the trucks has not been specified.
- It is unclear whether any lane closures or extended traffic delays followed the collision.
Local Context
Interstate 10 through Walton County is a major east-west corridor connecting communities across the Florida Panhandle. Near the US 331 interchange, traffic often includes a mix of passenger vehicles and heavy commercial trucks traveling at highway speeds. When a serious crash occurs along this stretch, responders typically close one or more lanes to create a secure working area for medical teams and investigators. Because of the high speeds and steady truck traffic, congestion can build quickly and extend beyond the immediate scene. The presence of multiple large vehicles can also complicate clearance efforts, requiring coordination to safely move damaged equipment and restore normal traffic flow.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, get to a safe location if you can and check for injuries; call 911 when medical help is needed.
- Keep conversations factual at the scene and avoid debating blame; let officials handle the investigation.
- If witnesses are present, ask for names and contact information when appropriate.
- Keep incident paperwork and medical notes together in one place for easy reference.
FAQ
Q: Why can symptoms show up later after an accident?
A: Some injuries, including soft tissue damage or internal trauma, may not be immediately noticeable and can develop hours after the initial impact.
Q: Why can multi-vehicle accidents take longer to clear?
A: Crashes involving several vehicles often require more extensive documentation, debris removal, and coordination to safely reopen all lanes.
Q: What do responders typically do first at an injury accident scene?
A: Emergency personnel focus first on assessing injuries and securing the scene before beginning documentation and traffic management.
