FHP: 2 killed, 6 injured in head-on crash in Satsuma

2-year-old, SUV driver seriously injured; 4 teens suffer minor injuries

SATSUMA, Fla. – Two people died and six others, including a 2-year-old, were injured Thursday night in a head-on crash in Satsuma, the Florida Highway Patrol said. 

The crash was reported just before 8 p.m. on U.S. 17 southbound at Horse Landing Road.

Troopers said the crash killed 35-year-old Barbara Armstrong, of Hastings, who was driving a Hyundai Sonata that crossed the center line and struck a Ford Expedition head-on. The passenger in the car, 49-year-old Ronnie Cochran, also died. Neither was wearing a seat belt.

There were six people in the SUV, including four teens and a toddler.

The 35-year-old driver of the SUV and the 2-year-old boy were seriously hurt. Both were transported to UF Health in Gainesville.

The four other passengers in the SUV, who range in age from 12 to 18 years old, were taken to Putnam Community Hospital.

Troopers said alcohol was not a factor.

Drivers say intersection dangerous

Drivers have contacted News4Jax about the safety of the intersection where the man and woman died.

They said the crash was one of many serious accidents on U.S. 17 at Horse Landing Road.

Drivers we spoke to said they wish something would be done about the intersection, which is currently under construction.

“If people don't slow down for the construction zone and the cement dividers or slow down or stop suddenly, there's no way to get out of the way. It's pretty dangerous right now,” Casie Hayes said. “They really need to put bigger lane, put a real stoplight.”

Construction is supposed to continue in the area for another year.

“I don't know if they could put more flagmen up there where the things are during rush hour,” Charles Gunther said. “That would help some.”