LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A child is dead and at seven others are hurt following a crash Tuesday on U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg, police said.
Eight people in the Ford Explorer were driving north on Highway 441 and Gator Harley Davidson at 10:42 a.m. when people said some type of collision occurred involving the Explorer and a Ford Taurus. The SUV crossed the median and flipped. A 2-year-old boy was ejected and killed, police said.
The others inside the SUV were taken to a local hospital.
Eyewitness News asked if the toddler was strapped into a car seat.
“Generally, when an ejection occurs, it’s indicative of not being secure in the vehicle,” said Joe Iozzi with the Leesburg Police Department.
Photos: Child killed, others injured in Leesburg crash
The driver of the Ford Taurus was taken to the hospital and she is expected to be OK, police said.
Witnesses said they sprang into action when they saw the collision.
“I jumped out of my vehicle when I saw the truck turned over,” Tralonie Montoute said.
Montoute said she comforted one of the injured children.
The names of the victims’ have not been released.
The conditions are not being released at this time either, police said.
Police asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call the Police Department at (352) 787-2121.
Traffic homicide investigators are on the scene. So far, police aren't sure how long the roadway will be closed. pic.twitter.com/NL9C1yLd0F
— Myrt Price (@MPriceWFTV) August 9, 2016
Police say there were 8 people riding in this Suv 2 adults and the rest kids. pic.twitter.com/su0wT5UiNS
— Myrt Price (@MPriceWFTV) August 9, 2016
Contact Myrt Price for more on this story.
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