Lance Smith Killed, Teen Injured in Rollover Accident on US-29 in Molino, FL
Molino, FL — June 10, 2022, 39-year-old Lance Smith died and a teenager was injured in a rollover accident on U.S. Highway 29 in Molino.
According to reports the incident happened around 12:40 p.m. on US-29 between Highway 196 and Chance Road. Preliminary investigation suggests Smith was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck south on the highway when he lost control for unknown reasons. The pickup veered through the median and overturned, rolling several times before coming to rest in the northbound lanes.
Smith was ejected during the rollover and suffered fatal injuries. A 16-year-old passenger in the truck was taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Investigators initially considered the matter to be a single-vehicle accident, but are also investigating the possibility that an 18-wheeler may have caused Smith to lose control.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Lance Smith Accident on US-29 in Molino
Some reports say the victim's family suggested the involvement of a big rig and offered a reward for information about it. It's unclear what caused them to suspect that, but I also have no reason to doubt them. Authorities said they will look into the possibility, so I hope more answers will turn up soon one way or the other.
If an 18-wheeler's involvement is confirmed, obviously that opens another can of worms as it will be important to track that truck down and hold its driver accountable. That can be tricky as many hit-and-run wrecks are, but if investigators share any details and developments with the public and everyone remains vigilant I believe there can be a proper outcome to this tragic event. Depending on what investigators (police or independent) find out, that outcome may involve holding not only a runaway truck driver responsible, but also his employer.
