FHP: 3 dead after collision with vehicle trying to pass in no-passing zone
INVERNESS, Fla. - Three people died and another was seriously injured in a crash in Citrus County on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.
The driver of a Toyota SUV was headed north on S Pleasant Grove Road, just south of E Amy Lane, when they tried to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
When the driver of the Toyota, identified by FHP as 53-year-old Phillip Sawhill of Land 'o Lakes, tried to pass, he collided with an oncoming Kia.
The Toyota stopped on the roadway and caught fire. The Kia spun around and landed on the shoulder.
Troopers say the Kia's driver and two passengers, three women from South Florida, died at the scene. They were identified as 62-year-old Amalia Gomara, 86-year-old Clara Gorrin, and 85-year-old Nilda Cordovi. They were all wearing seat belts.
Sawhill was seriously injured in the crash. Troopers said they were still determining whether he was wearing a seat belt and if alcohol or drugs could have been a factor.
Check back for updates on this developing story.