Fatal crash closes lanes along Florida’s Turnpike in Lake County

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LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash along Florida’s Turnpike Friday morning.

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According to FHP, the crash happened around 3 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Howey in the Hills.

As of 7:45 a.m., troopers said all southbound lanes remained closed near the Florida’s Turnpike interchange with State Road 19.

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FHP said that the crash involved a Kia Sorrento and a Buick Century.

Both cars were traveling southbound near mile marker 285 on the inside lane when the Kia’s driver failed to slow down, and rear-ended the Buick ahead of it, troopers said.

The woman who was driving the Buick died at the crash scene, according to FHP.

FHP said the Kia’s driver, an Orlando man, 39, suffered serious injuries and was transported to South Lake Hospital.

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Drivers should use U.S. Highway 27 as an alternate route as troopers continue to investigate the crash.

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