A reported high-speed crash Friday evening left multiple high school students critically injured after their vehicle split in half and caught fire following a collision on Emerald Coast Parkway, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported.
According to investigators, a gray 2023 Dodge Charger carrying four teenagers was traveling west from the Walton County line shortly before 6:30 p.m. when it collided with a black 2024 Volkswagen Atlas attempting to turn left onto Tequesta Drive.
- Witnesses reported the Charger was traveling at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles before the crash.
The impact caused the Charger to strike a utility pole, splitting the vehicle in half and causing it to overturn and catch fire. Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle, while first responders had to extricate the driver, officials said.
The driver of the Volkswagen sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Multiple trauma alert patients were transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, with at least one patient being airlifted to Sacred Heart Pensacola. At least two of the teenagers sustained critical injuries, according to authorities. Investigators said alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.
Destin High School Principal Dr. Diane Kelley visited one of her students and his father at the hospital Friday night.
- “I personally visited with the student and his father last night at the hospital and I promised to have his favorite foods waiting, once he is out of surgery,” Kelley said in a statement to school families on Saturday morning.
The crash involved students from both Destin High School and the South Walton area. “This news has taken a toll on our school community, especially the students and staff, as false rumors circulated quickly online,” Kelley said.
The school’s Shark Counseling team will be available Monday to provide support for students and staff. “I will personally be coordinating support for the student’s family, as needed,” Kelley said.
The westbound lanes of Emerald Coast Parkway remained closed for several hours as the OCSO Traffic Homicide Investigation team investigated the scene. The OCSO Traffic Homicide Investigation team handles crashes involving fatalities or serious injuries that could result in a fatality.
The investigation is ongoing.
