Winter Garden, FL – A deadly rollover crash along State Road 429 in Orange County claimed the life of a 35-year-old Orlando man and left his passenger with serious injuries on Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Fatal Rollover on State Road 429
The crash occurred in the southbound lanes of S.R. 429 near Winter Garden Vineland Road in Winter Garden, an area known for heavy commuter traffic during morning hours. Troopers were dispatched after reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a pickup truck that had overturned multiple times.
According to investigators, the driver was operating a 2012 Dodge Ram Chassis Cab when he lost control of the vehicle for reasons still under investigation. The truck left the roadway and rolled over several times, causing catastrophic damage.
Driver Ejected, Dies at Scene
The 35-year-old driver, identified as an Orlando resident, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the official FHP crash report. During the violent rollover, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name pending family notification.
Passenger Suffers Serious Injuries
The vehicle’s passenger, a 37-year-old Orlando man, was also injured in the crash. Troopers said he sustained serious injuries and was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment. His current condition has not been publicly updated.
Officials did not confirm whether the passenger was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Major Traffic Delays After Crash
Following the rollover, all southbound lanes of S.R. 429 were shut down, leading to significant traffic delays throughout the Winter Garden area. Commuters experienced extended backups as crews worked to investigate the crash, clear debris, and remove the damaged vehicle.
Authorities confirmed that the southbound lanes reopened shortly after 2 p.m., restoring normal traffic flow several hours after the incident.
Investigation Ongoing
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate what caused the driver to lose control. Factors such as speed, road conditions, mechanical issues, or driver impairment have not yet been confirmed.
Troopers are reviewing physical evidence from the scene and may examine vehicle data as part of the ongoing investigation.
Seat Belt Safety Emphasized
FHP officials emphasized that the crash underscores the importance of seat belt use, especially during high-speed travel on limited-access highways. According to safety experts, seat belts significantly reduce the risk of ejection during rollovers — one of the most dangerous types of crashes.
Law enforcement continues to urge drivers and passengers alike to buckle up every time they enter a vehicle, regardless of distance or traffic conditions.
Community Impact and Safety Reminder
The fatal crash has left the local community shaken and serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine travel can turn tragic. Authorities encourage drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws to reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.
What are your thoughts on highway safety and seat belt enforcement? Have you experienced traffic delays or dangerous driving on SR-429? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.
