WINTER HAVEN, FL : Man critically injured in early-morning Haven crash on Saturday, December, 2nd 2017

A 26-year-old Winter Haven man was critically injured during the wee hours of this morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Hakeem McGhee was traveling south in a white 1999 Buick sedan on U.S. 27 near U.S. 17/92 in Haines City about 6 a.m., deputies said. His car was struck in the left rear by a 2007 black Mercedes 350, driven by Paris Allen, 25, of Haines City, who was also traveling south.

The impact caused McGhee’s vehicle to cross the median and both lanes of U.S. 27 North and off the roadway into a retention pond near Morris Ranch Road. Deputies said his car was almost entirely submerged. Winter Haven Fire personnel responded and were able to pull McGhee from the sunken car.

McGhee was flown to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he is being treated for critical injuries. Allen was uninjured, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Neither driver was wearing a seat belt, deputies said. It is unknown if McGhee was impaired, but speed is thought to be a factor.

U.S. 27 was shut down for about four hours following the crash, but has since reopened. The investigation is ongoing.

Source :
Man critically injured in early-morning Haven crash