In a tragic turn of events in Florida, a man died in a head-on collision just moments after stealing a car from a good Samaritan who had stopped to help him following an earlier crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol issued a statement this week detailing the events that unfolded on the evening of January 23.
The initial accident happened around 8:30 pm local time on State Road 50 in Brooksville, approximately 70 miles west of Orlando.
The 29-year-old man, a resident of Dade City, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a traffic median barrier.
A 35-year-old woman from Webster, driving nearby, noticed the accident and pulled over to offer assistance.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, the man stole her Chevy HHR, leaving her stranded at the scene.
Fleeing west on State Road 50 in the stolen vehicle, the man soon lost control again, veering across the median into the eastbound lanes.
There, he 'collided head-on' with an oncoming tractor-trailer.
Tragically, the man was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision.
The tractor-trailer's driver, a 45-year-old man from Plant City, incurred minor injuries.
The identity of the suspect who died has not been disclosed by authorities.
In light of such incidents, insurance company Geico emphasizes the importance of safety for those who witness car accidents.
They advise witnesses to pull over at a safe distance, at least 100 feet from the crash site, to avoid hazards like broken glass, leaked fuel, or potential flames.
Geico advises that witnesses should always call 911, even if the accident seems minor, stating: "Never assume that someone else already called 911."
"Let the 911 operator know you witnessed a car accident, the location, number of people involved, and any other pertinent details."
If it's safe to do so, witnesses are encouraged to check on the condition of the crash victims.
In cases of minor accidents, ensuring that the driver switches off the car's ignition to reduce the risk of fire from any leaks is also recommended.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of road incidents and the importance of safety and caution when encountering or assisting at crash sites.