Two Naples women were killed in a traffic crash Friday in Hardee County when their car was struck head-on by a semitrailer that crossed a center line, authorities said.
Jennifer Jenkins, 35, and Kathleen O'Callaghan, 34, died at the scene, said Sgt. William Pascoe, with the Florida Highway Patrol.
The women were headed east on State Road 64 approaching Blue Jay Road near Zolfo Springs about 5:30 p.m. when a tractor-trailer driven by Michael J. Phillips, 45, crossed the center line, Pascoe said.
Jenkins swerved right and braked to avoid a collision but the truck struck the front of the 2005 Toyota Corolla and pushed it backwards, where it collided with some orange trees, Pascoe said.
A third vehicle driven by Daniel Jenkins, 33, was following the women and swerved off the left shoulder to avoid the crash, Pascoe said. The 2003 Ford Escape, which was also carrying a 2-month-old infant, overturned. Daniel Jenkins and the infant received minor injuries, Pascoe said.
Phillips was taken to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries, Pascoe said.
The investigation continues and charges are pending, Pascoe said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement