Local News
24-year-old Jovanna Reyes killed in Haines City after car collided with semi trailer and church building
HAINES CITY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred early Friday morning, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old woman from Bowling Green.
According to authorities, deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel were dispatched at approximately 12:29 a.m. on April 17, 2026, to the scene along U.S. Highway 27 near B. Moore Road.
The crash involved a 2020 Hyundai Sonata and a 2019 Volvo semi-truck with a trailer.
Investigators reported that following the initial collision, the Hyundai left the roadway, crossed the median, traveled off the west side of the highway, and continued through a chain-link fence before striking the exterior wall of the First Apostolic Pentecostal Church, located at 600 B. Moore Road.
First responders arrived to find the driver of the Hyundai, identified as Jovanna Saily Reyes, deceased at the scene.
The driver of the semi-truck, a 24-year-old woman from Tampa, was not injured and remained at the scene.
Authorities confirmed she is cooperating fully with investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit.
Preliminary findings, based on witness statements and physical evidence, indicate that the semi-truck had been traveling southbound on U.S. 27 before executing a legal U-turn to proceed northbound.
The driver told investigators she observed an oncoming northbound vehicle at a considerable distance prior to initiating the turn.
Detectives determined that Reyes’ vehicle struck the side of the trailer, traveled partially underneath it, and continued uncontrolled across the roadway and into the church property.
Investigators noted there were no visible pre-impact skid marks at the scene.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 27 were closed for approximately five hours while authorities conducted a detailed investigation and cleared the scene.
The roadway has since reopened.
At this stage, investigators believe speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Officials stated that no civil or criminal charges are anticipated at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.