Car and semi-truck involved in fatal crash on North Combee Road in Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL – Authorities say a Lakeland man was killed when his car was involved in a fiery crash with a semi-truck in Lakeland Wednesday night.

The Daily Ridge reports the accident happened in the area of North Combee Road and Tanglewood Street at about 7:22 p.m.

Investigators with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said 25-year-old Etiel Diaz was driving a Volkswagen 2-door north on North Combee Road when his car started sliding into the southbound lanes. A southbound Freightliner semi-truck, driven by 66-year-old Guillermo Solorzano of Lakeland, struck the passenger side of the Volkswagen.

Both vehicles caught fire as a result of the collision. Diaz was pulled out of his burning car by bystanders at the scene but was pronounced dead when first responders arrived. Solorzano managed to get out of the truck without being injured.

Authorities said it had rained in the area just before the crash, and said that Diaz’s car began to slide as he was trying to make a turn onto Tanglewood Street.

North Combee Road was shut down in both directions after the wreck for about four hours. The sheriff’s office said no charges are anticipated in the case at this time.

Accidents involving semi-trucks cause hundreds of fatalities in Florida each year. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a collision with a truck, do not hesitate to contact the skilled legal team at Kemp Law Group. We understand what it takes to obtain the compensation you deserve after a traumatic accident. To speak with one of our skilled Polk County Truck Accident Lawyers, call us today at 727-835-8327 or fill out our online contact form to arrange a free consultation.