DeFuniak Springs Police responded to U.S. Highway 90 and U.S. Highway 331 South for a traffic crash involving a Semi-Tractor Trailer that collided with a 2008 Black Saturn SUV. A Lieutenant drove up on the wreck just around 2:30 PM on Tuesday. The collision forced the SUV to collide with a 1995 Silver Lincoln Sedan, causing both vehicles to come to rest on the sidewalk area of the north bound side of 331. The DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and Walton Fire Rescue responded to treat the occupants and contain the hazardous materials (fuel and oil) that spilt as a result of the crash.
The driver of the SUV was making a left turn onto U.S. Highway 331 South, when she turned in front of a Semi-Tractor Trailer heading East on U.S. Highway 90. The impact spilled over into the north bound lanes of 331, striking the Sedan and causing damage to the traffic signal at that intersection.
At least two people in the SUV had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life by Rescue Personnel. All 4 occupants were transported to hospitals in Pensacola. Two of the occupants, including the female driver, were airlifted and needed emergency surgery. They are in critical condition. The other two passengers are in serious condition. The driver of the Sedan had possible injuries and was reportedly taken by a family member to Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast. The driver of the Semi-Truck was not injured.
Witnesses reported that the driver of the SUV was facing a solid green light at the time of the crash. The left green indicator had expired prior to the vehicle turning. Based on the witness accounts and other crash indicators, the driver of the SUV failed to yield right of way when making a left turn.
Portions of 331 and 90 were closed for approximately three and a half hours while the crash was being investigated and the roadway cleared. The tractor trailer was carrying a heavy load of feed to be delivered to nearby Wayne Farms. City of DeFuniak Springs Public Works and other personnel assisted in getting the roadway and traffic signal back operational. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol assisted in traffic control and redirecting traffic around the scene. The crash is still being investigated by DeFuniak Springs Police and charges are pending.