CHRISTMAS, FL : 2 men struck, killed while tending to disabled vehicle on SR 501 on Thursday, 14th March 2019

Two men were killed and a third was seriously injured early Thursday when they were struck by a van on State Road 50 in east Orange County while tending to a disabled vehicle, officials said.

The fatal wreck was reported around 1:30 a.m. on S.R. 50 near St. Nicholas Avenue.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2013 Dodge van driven by a 35-year-old Orlando man was traveling east on S.R. 50 and struck a 2004 Acura TSX that had been involved in a previous crash and was pulled out of a nearby treeline by a passing motorist.

The van driver said he did not see the Acura and swerved to avoid it, but struck the rear of the car and the three men, who were standing in the road, the FHP said.

"It is so dark in this area in the overnight hours and by his statement, he just didn't see them at the last minute," FHP Lt. Kim Montes said.

According to troopers, one victim was pronounced dead at the scene and another died at Orlando Regional Medical Center. The third victim, Eugene Richards, 21, of Winter Park, was taken to ORMC with serious injuries, the FHP said.

The van driver, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered minor injuries, troopers said.

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