Driver airlifted after two-car accident | Highlands News-Sun

The accident occurred shortly before 10 a.m. FHP on scene reported that a southbound gray Toyota Corolla and a westbound maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee collided at the intersection. The impact caused the Toyota to rotate 180 degrees, while the Jeep spun 90 degrees and slid onto the shoulder just south of the intersection.

The Highlands County Fire Department provided immediate assistance to the driver of the Toyota by cutting into the car to get her out. Paramedics then transported her to the adjacent hospital while an Aeromed helicopter flew in to pick up the patient.

FHP reports the only serious injury was to the Toyota driver, a woman in her 50s. The Jeep driver, also a woman in her 50s, did not require medical evacuation, but the extent of her injuries was unknown.

A witness, who also rendered aid until paramedics arrived, said he was also traveling southbound, stopped at a red light and was about one car from the intersection when the accident occurred. He told the Highlands News-Sun that he suddenly saw a cloud of dust and knew there had been a crash.

He also reported that before and even after fire trucks and Highlands County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived to cordon off the scene, other motorists either drove through the scene or stopped to take photos with their cell phones.

For their own safety and the safety of others, emergency responders urge drivers to stop and await instructions when confronted with an immediate accident scene.

The witness reported seeing police officers writing citations against at least two passing motorists for driving recklessly through the scene of the accident.

Officers diverted southbound traffic onto Frontage Road on the west side of the highway and closed the inside northbound lane while paramedics and firefighters treated and extricated the driver.

In addition to the deputies and FHP, responding units included Rescue Units 4, 4-2, and 7; engines 7 and 19; Brush 7; Battalion Chief 1; Department Chief 1 and Emergency Management 1. Fire engines not only provide staging areas for lifesaving and rescue equipment, but also serve as safety barricades with sufficient height, mass and visibility to warn approaching motorists to slow down.