2 Killed In U.S. 301 Crash

WIMAUMA, FL -- Two people are dead and one is in critical condition following a Saturday night crash on U.S. 301.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Odilon Valencia, 36, of Ruskin was heading north on U.S. 301 around 9 p.m. At that time, a 2016 Ford F350, driven by Serge Landkas, 64, of Bradenton was heading south. The Ford was towing a 30-foot flatbed trailer loaded with equipment at the time.

Troopers say Valencia’s Suburban crossed into the southbound lanes near Bishop Road and hit the Ford head-on. Valencia was ejected from the vehicle and later died from his injuries, a highway patrol report said. The passenger in his vehicle, Benito Aguirre Bustos, 54, of Wimauma, also died as a result of the crash.

Following the collision, the Suburban caught fire and the trailer struck a power pole, troopers noted.

Landkas suffered critical injuries and was taken to Tampa General Hospital.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. It is unclear at this time if alcohol played a role, troopers noted.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol