Two Separate Head-on Crashes, One of Them Fatal, Snarled Lakeland Roads

Two separate head-on collisions on Wednesday snarled traffic on major Lakeland roadways; at least one of them resulted in a fatality.

Three cars were involved in a head-on collision that temporarily blocked the intersection of George Jenkins Boulevard and Kathleen Road during afternoon rush hour.

Three cars were involved, with two ambulances and a fire truck blocking the intersection.

Earlier — just after 10:30 a.m. — a red Toyota Celica driven by Moises Perez Martinez, 39, of Auburndale, crossed the center turn lane and hit a grey Ford pickup truck head on East Memorial Boulevard near Interlachen Parkway.

Martinez died at the scene. The roadway was partially shutdown for approximately three hours.

The Ford’s driver, 71-year-old Patrick Accetta, and the passenger, Dianne Accetta, 75, were taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with serious bodily injuries, Lakeland Police officials said.

The cause of that crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.