LAKE WALES, Fla. — A motorcyclist was killed Saturday evening following a multi-vehicle crash near the entrance of Wawa Gas Station in Lake Wales.
According to Lake Wales Police Lt. Dale Hampton, the crash occurred on Chalet Suzanne Road near U.S. Highway 27, and the roadway is temporarily blocked as investigators work the scene.
Preliminary (unofficial) information indicates that a motorcyclist was traveling toward U.S. 17 when a pickup truck turning into the Wawa parking collided. Witnesses told the Lake Wales Daily that the rider attempted to swerve to avoid impact but was struck by the truck.
At about the exact time a white commercial truck turning out of Wawa was also caught in the collision. Witnesses said the motorcycle burst into flames on impact, and the flames spread to the white commercial truck.
The motorcyclist appears to have died on impact, according to multiple eyewitness accounts.
Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene along with Lake Wales Fire Department units. Multiple ambulances were dispatched, and a portion of Chalet Suzanne Road had been shut while fire and ambulance crews worked the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin. Official details are still being gathered.
The Lake Wales Police Department is leading the investigation as far as we know at this time.
