On November 25, 2024, a semi truck loses a tire and causes a traffic collision near the intersection of US Hwy. 60 E and Doherty Drive in Lake Wales. 
Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer at Polk County Sheriff’s Office, offers the following information on the situation:
“The PCSO was dispatched to that crash at about 1:42 pm.
“It was reported by a witness that a tire came off of a semi truck and hit a Toyota Corolla.
“It was also reported that a 3rd vehicle may have been involved, but that is unconfirmed at this time.
“A small brush fire in the median was sparked during the crash. The fire was extinguished.
“Traffic may be affected in this area.”
A witness in the area says that Hwy. 60 E is down to one lane, but traffic is moving slowly. This is not confirmed.
Polk County Fire Rescue confirms that 4 patients were transported by ground to local hospital(s), but no trauma alerts for any of the patients. 
PCFR also advises that a small vegetation fire started in the median as a result of the crash, but was quickly extinguished.
Proceed with caution, if you are driving in this area, and avoided it if at all possible.
