POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two serious, separate crashes that occurred Sunday evening. 

The crashes happened within minutes of each other, but about 35 miles apart on opposite ends of the county.

The first crash occurred in the Frostproof area, on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road near U.S. 27. Emergency crews were dispatched at about 8:21 p.m.

Four vehicles were involved, and nine of the 10 people involved received various degrees of injuries. Two of the injured remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A 13-year-old girl also remains hospitalized with apparent non-life-threatening injuries.

According to authorities, the chain of events started when a 2010 Dodge Ram crossed over the center line and collided with a 2019 Ford F-150 pickup, and then a 2013 Ford Explorer.

Following that crash, some of the occupants exited their vehicles. A 2017 Chevy Silverado traveled onto the scene and collided with the Ford Explorer, causing the Explorer to rotate and strike three victims. The Chevy Silverado then struck two other victims and dragged them both for a short distance.

The roadway was closed for approximately six hours.

The first crash occurred in the Frostproof area, on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road near U.S. 27.

The second serious crash of the evening occurred at about 8:36 p.m. at 12797 Rockridge Rd., north of Lakeland, and involved just one vehicle, a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

According to the preliminary investigation, the truck had been traveling east on Rockridge Road when it left the roadway and struck a wooden power pole.

Upon the arrival of first responders, the driver was found dead inside the vehicle. He was identified as 22-year-old Jerome Cooke of Lakeland.

Rockridge Road was closed for approximately four-and-a-half hours.

The second crash happened at 8:30 a.m. just north of Lakeland on Rockridge Road near Country Place Road.