Fatal crash due to hydroplaning prompts roadblock in Astatula, troopers say

Crash reported on County Road 48 at Ranch Road

Fatal crash on County Road 48 in Lake County. (Florida Highway Patrol)

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A fatal, two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Lake County left one man dead and another in the hospital, shutting down the roadway where it happened, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at 12:29 p.m. on County Road 48 at Ranch Road in Astatula, involving a pickup truck and a sedan, the latter of which was driven by a 38-year-old Howey-In-The-Hills man, troopers said.

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The pickup truck was traveling westbound while the sedan was headed east; according to a crash report, the sedan began to hydroplane, causing it to enter the westbound lane in the direct path of the pickup truck. The impact sent both vehicles off of the roadway and into surrounding guardrails, troopers said.

The man in the sedan was pronounced dead at the scene, while the person driving the pickup truck — a 35-year-old man, also of Howey-In-The-Hills — was hospitalized with minor injuries, according to the report.

A roadblock remained in place in both lanes of County Road 48 at time of writing as the crash remained under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

Note: Due to the information provided, this map depicts the general area of the crash and not necessarily its exact location.


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About the Author:

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.

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