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2 killed in crash involving tow truck on Florida’s Turnpike

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Two men died and a child was hurt in a crash along Florida’s Turnpike Friday night in Lake County.

Troopers responded to the crash around 10 p.m. at mile marker 281 near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

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Investigators said a Ford pick up truck was traveling northbound when it struck a tow truck and its driver, who was attempting to help a disabled motorist.

Troopers said the the driver of the tow truck was outside of his truck, which was parked along the right shoulder of the Turnpike.

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It’s not clear why the driver of the pickup truck traveled off the roadway; investigators said the parked tow truck’s lights were activated when the pickup collided with the wrecker.

The 34-year-old tow truck operator, of Orlando, was fatally struck near his vehicle.

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Troopers reported that the pickup truck overturned, ejecting its driver and a child passenger, both of Ocala.

FHP said the 51-year-old driver died at the crash scene; the girl, whose age wasn’t given, was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando in critical condition.

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Troopers said they are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

Stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.