Family Believes 18-Wheeler May Have Caused Fatal Molino Crash; FHP Says They Will Investigate

June 11, 2022

Family members believe an 18-wheeler may be what caused a wreck that claimed the life of a Cantonment man Friday afternoon on Highway 29. And the Florida Highway Patrol says they will investigate that possibility.

The crash happened about 12:40 p.m. on Highway 29 between Highway 196 and Chance Road in Molino.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver lost control as his southbound Ford F150 pulling a utility trailer crossed over the median and overturned multiple times, coming to rest into the northbound lanes. Lance Smith, 39, was ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene by Escambia County EMS. A 16-year male passenger from Molino was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.

The initial investigation indicated that it was a single vehicle crash; but, family members are offering a cash reward for information about a big truck that may have caused Smith to lose control of his pickup.

“We can’t confirm at this time that an 18-wheeler was actually involved,” FHP Lt. Jason King told NorthEscamia.com. He said troopers will follow up as their investigation continues. “This is a very, very sad time for the family and early stages of our investigation. We hope we can discover every contributing factor we can.”

“We are definitely open to receiving information regarding an 18-wheeler that may have been involved in this fatal crash. Anything we can gain to follow up on to solidify its involvement or even eliminate its involvement will be most helpful,” King said.

Anyone with additional information on the crash can call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP.

Pictured: A fatal crash on Highway 29 in Molino Friday afternoon. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

9 Responses to “Family Believes 18-Wheeler May Have Caused Fatal Molino Crash; FHP Says They Will Investigate”

  1. David Huie Green on June 13th, 2022 11:18 am

    So, “crossed over the median…overturned multiple times…was ejected” had nothing to do with it? Some other vehicle may have been involved some way; the fatal result was probably tied to a number of factors.

    Sad, regardless.

  2. Adam on June 12th, 2022 4:07 pm

    Years back, I had an uncle that raised corn to feed his cows. He lived on what is now Kingsfield. We would load his trailer up with corn and hook it behind his dodge car and head to the mill on the old Atmore cut off. I had to be careful because the heavy load would try to push me down the hills. It would have been very easy to lose control. Not saying that is what happened here, but it is a possibility.

  3. Hazel Wilson on June 12th, 2022 3:49 pm

    My condolences for the loss of your loved one. Prayers to everyone involved in this tragedy.

  4. Suzie B on June 11th, 2022 9:17 pm

    I hope they find a camera showing something or witnesses including the passenger to verify if it was a semi involved. Rest in peace sir. So very sorry to the friends and family for this loss.

  5. Susie on June 11th, 2022 10:09 am

    People who cause tragic things to happen will only have bad things happen to them if they don’t just own up to their mistakes. My heart is heavy for this family. God will hold you all in His arms and give you strength. God bless you.

  6. Mary on June 11th, 2022 7:17 am

    My son was ran off the road very close to this same location. It was a white PU truck and NO he did not stop. Hit & Run. Thank God he was not injured. People just think(no they don’t think) Highway 29 is for..”I’ll get wherever they need to be faster road”

  7. EMD on June 10th, 2022 9:16 pm

    Isaiah 57:1 Pray comfort for family and friends and healing and comfort for the teen. So sorry for this heart wrenching event.

  8. SheilaCarnley on June 10th, 2022 4:33 pm

    My prayers with this family of the loss of there loved one.

  9. No Excuses on June 10th, 2022 3:59 pm

    I’m so sorry for the fatality. I knew something was going on because traffic was backed up in front of my house for hours. I decided to run my errands tomorrow. Prayers for the family.