Highway 97 Crash Kills Young Boy, Injures Four

A Highway 97 crash resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy on the morning of Saturday, October 3. According to the details shared by the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened just south of Walnut Hill. It was reported to the authorities at around 9:15 a.m. The incident involved a collision between two vehicles identified as a GMC Sierra pickup truck and a Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Outlander was turning left onto a private driveway. The pickup truck, traveling southbound on the road, crashed into the rear of the Outlander. The driver of the pickup truck was identified as a 16-year-old male.

The Outlander had four occupants in it at the time. These included the 43-year-old male driver, a 42-year-old female passenger, an 11-year-old boy, and a 9-year-old girl. All four occupants sustained serious injuries in the collision. The driver was rushed to the Escambia County EMS with critical injuries. The boy’s injuries were life-threatening and he was airlifted to a hospital in Pensacola. However, he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.

The 9-year-old girl was also rushed to a local hospital while the 42-year-old female was airlifted with life-threatening injuries.

The occupants of the pickup truck remained largely safe in the collision. The driver had no injuries to report. A 16-year-old passenger traveling in the vehicle was taken to hospital for minor injuries.

FHP continues to investigate the incident. The State Patrol shut down Highway 97 following the crash. It took nearly the whole day for the troopers and other officers to conduct on-site investigations and cleanup. At this point, it isn’t clear where alcohol, drugs, or speeding were factors that contributed to the crash. Once the investigations conclude, it will be clearer whether FHP will be bringing any formal charges against any of the parties.

If you’re involved in a wreck, get in touch with our Florida car accident attorneys immediately.