WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Two people are in critical condition after an ambulance carrying a patient to the hospital was struck by a pickup truck Monday night in a violent two-vehicle collision at US Highway 27 and State Road 544.
The crash occurred around 8:35 p.m., according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the incident through its Traffic Homicide Unit.
Deputies said the 2019 Freightliner ambulance, driven by EMT Eryn Orduna, was heading westbound on SR 544 out of Haines City with its emergency lights and sirens activated en route to Winter Haven Hospital.
As Orduna slowed for a red light and entered the intersection after checking for cross traffic, a black Ford F-450 truck pulling a trailer, driven by Yandy Baez, was traveling southbound on US 27 at highway speed and struck the right front side of the ambulance.
Paramedic thrown from seat during impact
The force of the collision sent the ambulance approximately 60 feet southwest, where it came to rest on a grassy shoulder. The Ford truck continued about 15 feet before stopping across two southbound lanes of US 27.
Inside the ambulance, Paramedic John Parris was tending to the patient on a gurney. The impact threw Parris from his seat, causing severe injuries. Both he and the patient were transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Drivers hospitalized; highway closed for hours
Both drivers were also taken to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities said Orduna has since been released, while Baez is expected to make a full recovery.
Southbound lanes of US Highway 27 were closed for about five hours while deputies processed the scene and cleared debris.
Investigation continues
The Sheriff’s Office has not released whether any citations or charges are expected. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.