A two-vehicle crash occurred near Lake Wales Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024. One person was killed, and two others received minor injuries.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Wales Police, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded at about 6:38 pm, to the crash on State Road 60 at Story Road, just east of the city.
74-year old Duane Matthew Kolaski of Lake Wales was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away.
Mr. Kolaski was the driver of a black 2017 BMW X7 SUV.
The other vehicle, a black 2021 Dodge 3500 pickup truck was driven by 45-year old Maksim Zakharov of Orlando. His passenger was 24-year old Nikita Zakharov. Both were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
The crash is being investigated by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
Based on the evidence and witness statements, Mr. Kolaski’s BMW was travelling east on State Road 60 when it drifted across the median and into the westbound lanes where it collided with the Zakharovs’ Dodge pickup.
It was determined that the Zakharovs were wearing their seatbelts, but so far it remains undetermined if Mr. Kolaski was wearing his.
The investigation is ongoing.
