Channel 7 News / MySuncoast.com reported recently that a motor vehicle accident along Florida State Route 70 in Highlands County killed two motorists and injured several more on the evening of Friday, May 7, 2021.

According to a press release issued by officials with the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred between 1:25 a.m. and 1:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, May 7, 2021 near mile marker 80 in the westbound lane of Florida State Route 70 in Highlands County. Four vehicles were involved in the accident. Two people were traveling in a pickup truck when for unknown reasons still under investigation, they veered off the roadway and collided with a tree, then a utility pole, after which the vehicle landed back on the roadway and flipped over. The vehicle was struck by three other vehicles and both occupants of the pickup were killed.

Another driver suffered critical injuries in the accident and was medically transported to Tampa General Hospital, while the drivers of the other vehicles sustained minor injuries from the incident. The Florida Highway Patrol has since reopened all lanes of the roadway for traffic. The accident remains under an active and ongoing investigation, and eyewitnesses are asked to contact investigators with any relevant information.