CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Keystone Heights driver died in an early morning wreck on U.S. 301 south of County Road 218 when his pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another pickup head-on, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Crash investigators said the 29-year-old man was driving north at 5:45 a.m. between Lawtey and Baldwin when he lost control, cross the median and struck the southbound vehicle.
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The driver of that northbound pickup died at the scene. The 30-year-old Jacksonville man driving the second vehicle had only minor injuries.
#BREAKING: @FHPJacksonville is reporting at least one fatality in a multiple vehicle crash on US 301 south of CR 218. @ccsofl is directing traffic as 301 NB and SB lanes are closed south of 218. Drive carefully and allow for extra time. Wet and foggy conditions. @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/a6hzUdYzHE
— Zachery Lashway (@ZachLashway) October 6, 2020
Both directions of U.S. 301 were shut down for some time. The southbound lanes remained closed past noon. Drivers were diverted onto C.R. 218. Major back-ups were visible as drivers attempt to take the alternate.
Crash investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash, but roads in the area were slick from rain overnight.