By David Adlerstein
Three adults and one youth, all from Bonifay, suffered serious injuries, and four adults from Alabama were unhurt, in a truck-car crash at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident happened when a pick-up truck drifted across the center line and struck a sports utility van on State Route 79, near the intersection of Myra Lane,
the driver of the truck, a 19-year-old man from Florence, Alabama, told FHP he fell asleep as he was traveling north on SR 79, approaching Myra Lane (Highway 177). The truck then drifted over the double yellow center lines and struck the front of the SUV as it headed south.
The truck spun around and left the roadway onto the west shoulder. and struck a guardrail. The SUV left the roadway and ended up in a ditch.
Bonifay Fire Department paramedics and emergency medical technicians., and emergency medical services from both Holmes County and Washington County , as well as AirHeart, responded to the scene and treated, and in some cases transported, the eight patients.
The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries, and none of his three passengers – a 20-year-old male from Florence, Alabama, a 21-year-old male from Killen, Alabama, and a 21-year-old male from Trussville, Alabama – sustained injuries. All were wearing seatbelts.
The driver of the SUV, a 41-year-old man from Bonifay, sustained serious injuries, as did his three passengers – a 48-year-old female, an 18-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, all from Bonifay. All were wearing seatbelts.
Law enforcement officials advised drivers to use caution and expect delays in the area.
Staff Report