Accident Sends Six to Hospitals

A loaded minivan collided with a Chrysler PT Cruiser late Sunday morning, sending six people to the hospitals with minor injuries and causing a nearly hour-long traffic snarl on State Road 17.

The northbound blue PT Cruiser, driven by Brenda K. Ezell of Sebring, drove in front of the van as it tried to pull into Jay's Discount Beverages at 11:20 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Jesse Deboom said.

The Chevrolet Venture, driven by Lakeland resident Kasseem Weston, was heading south on S.R. 17. According to Deboom, Ezell did not see Weston's van as she turned into the parking lot, causing the crash. Charges against Ezell are pending.

The van had seven passengers, including an infant. Of the seven, five -- including Weston -- were taken to Highlands Regional Medical Center, while Ezell's husband came to the scene to take her to Florida Hospital as a precaution, Deboom said. The baby and an elderly passenger were unhurt.

Jay's owner Bhargav Patel said he heard a loud boom just outside his store and he went outside to see the accident in front of his parking lot.

"The guy next to the driver (Weston) was stuck," Patel said as he described the minivan. The passenger's legs were trapped between the seat and the dashboard, and even though he was able to get out, he kept holding his legs as he went around.

Traffic from Home Avenue was directed to the south, and northbound traffic from S.R. 17 had to take Home Avenue. A line of cars southbound on S.R. 17 waited until about 12:30 p.m. before it could continue moving.