Orlando, Fla. — A devastating accident on Friday morning in Orlando claimed the lives of two people after a vehicle crashed along John Young Parkway and ended up submerged in a nearby retention pond, authorities said.
Early Morning Crash Turns Fatal
According to the Orlando Police Department, the tragic incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. in the 900 block of South John Young Parkway. Responding officers found that the crash involved a single vehicle and one pedestrian.
Police said the vehicle veered off the road, ultimately landing in a retention pond near the crash site. Both the driver and the pedestrian were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Due to the severity of the crash and the ongoing investigation, John Young Parkway was shut down for several hours but reopened around noon, restoring traffic flow in the area.
Community in Shock After Fatal Crash
Nearby residents expressed their grief and disbelief following the tragic accident. Brian Young, who lives close to the crash site, said he was shaken by what he saw that morning.
“Well, shocking. Very shocked. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Scary, you know?” Young said, describing the moment he saw the aftermath.
Another local resident, Michael Belisaire, told ClickOrlando that the scene left him wondering what might have caused such a devastating collision.
“It makes me kind of curious about how it happened and wondering what led to those moments,” Belisaire said. “Was it, for example, a seizure or something that happened while he was driving, or something medically related?”
Calls for Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Residents along John Young Parkway say the tragedy underscores long-standing concerns about pedestrian safety on the busy roadway. Brian Young mentioned that many people walk along that stretch daily and that more safety measures are needed.
“I don’t know if it has enough lighting because at night it does get kind of dim,” Young added. “They have those trees in the middle, and there’s no reflection off them to alert drivers. I don’t think there are enough crosswalks either.”
Community members are urging city officials to assess lighting, crosswalks, and other safety features in the area to prevent further incidents.
Investigation Ongoing
The Orlando Police Department has not yet released the names of the victims as the investigation continues. Officials are still determining the cause of the crash, including whether speed, impairment, or a medical emergency played a role.
Authorities are expected to conduct a full reconstruction of the incident to determine the series of events leading up to the collision.
What are your thoughts on improving pedestrian safety in busy areas like John Young Parkway?
Share your ideas and condolences in the comments below.
