Tampa man killed in head-on collision with semi-trailer

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Tampa man was killed in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer in Polk County on Saturday while attempting to pass in the oncoming lane, authorities said.

The accident occurred on US Highway 98 North at Earnest Road at approximately 3:16 a.m.

Both Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) and Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) arrived on scene.

According to PCSO Traffic and Homicide Investigators, the semi-trailer was traveling north on US 98 North while the victim's 2020 Chevy Silverado was traveling south.

When the driver of the pickup truck tried to overtake another vehicle heading south, he drove onto the oncoming lane heading north and into the path of the semi-trailer. The two vehicles collided head-on.

The driver of the semi-trailer and his passenger, both from Orlando, were uninjured in the accident.

The driver of the Chevy pickup, a 36-year-old Tampa man, was killed instantly, sheriff's office officials said.