Venice, FL (December 03, 2024) – A tragic head-on collision occurred early this morning on River Road near West Villages Parkway in unincorporated Venice, leaving multiple fatalities and significant road closures. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reports that the crash happened shortly after 3:30 AM.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, a vehicle traveling south on River Road with two occupants crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane, colliding with a second vehicle driven by a 64-year-old woman from North Port. Following the collision, the southbound vehicle caught fire, while the northbound vehicle overturned.
The driver and passenger of the southbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are still under investigation. The 64-year-old driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Emergency responders from Sarasota County Fire Rescue were quick to the scene, offering immediate assistance and ensuring the injured driver received necessary care. Both directions of River Road between West Villages Parkway and the 4-lane/2-lane split remain closed as authorities thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours, with officials urging drivers to find alternate routes.
Vehicle Crashes in Florida
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of head-on collisions, particularly on busy roads like River Road. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the crash, but these types of incidents are a stark reminder to drive carefully, especially on narrow or rural roadways.
Local Accident Reports will continue to follow the story and provide updates as new information becomes available. For now, drivers in the area are advised to avoid River Road and seek alternate routes.
Please stay safe on the roads and remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to traffic accidents.