UPDATE 7/29/25 11:25am: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Carrie Horstman offered an update to an early morning crash on the Hwy. 60 crash near Story Rd.:
“The crash occurred around 5:00 a.m. (Tues, July 29th) in the eastbound lanes of SR 60 E near Story Road. A 2011 black Ford Escape crossed over and was heading west in the eastbound lane when it struck a silver 2012 Jeep Wrangler that was heading east.
“The driver of the Jeep, a 25-year-old Haines City man, swerved to avoid a collision but was unable to avoid being hit by the Ford. Both vehicles sustained severe damage to the left front, and the driver of the Ford, a 58-year-old Lake Wales man, suffered significant injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt. He was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in critical condition. The driver of the Jeep was not injured. SR 60 was closed for approximately four hours during the early part of the investigation, which is ongoing.”
Lake Wales, FL – A major traffic collision on Highway 60 East at Capps Rd. prompted a multi-agency emergency response early Monday morning. The call was received at approximately 5:01 a.m., and the scene was cleared around 6:29 a.m., according to Polk County Fire Rescue.
A medical helicopter was used to evacuate at least one patient from the scene, signaling the severity of the incident. Multiple fire and rescue units were dispatched, including BC005, BC007, EN014, EN026, MR014, MR026, and SQ021.
As of this report, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the eastbound lanes of Highway 60 remain shut down. Westbound lanes had been closed since the incident was first reported but may now be reopening.
Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and seek alternate routes if possible. The cause of the crash and the extent of injuries remain under investigation.
