Six Killed in Fiery Crash on State Road 60 in Osceola County: Legal Options For Families

A devastating crash on State Road 60 in Osceola County has left six people dead and a community in mourning. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the violent accident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2025, west of South Kenansville Road. The crash involved an SUV carrying six passengers and a semitruck traveling along the rural stretch of highway.

Authorities confirmed that all six individuals inside the SUV were killed on impact. The SUV reportedly caught fire after colliding with the truck, which also erupted in flames. The driver of the semitruck was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the SUV was attempting to pass multiple vehicles when the driver lost control, veered into the opposite lane, and struck an oncoming semitruck. The collision was so severe that both vehicles ignited, leaving first responders and witnesses with a horrifying scene.

The fire engulfed both vehicles quickly, and tragically, all six occupants of the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the crash to determine all contributing factors. Authorities will examine:

• Speeding or reckless driving behavior
• Whether passing was attempted safely or illegally
• Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash
• Possible distractions, fatigue, or impairment

Given the rural and sometimes narrow conditions on State Road 60, many stretches of the highway are known to be hazardous for overtaking other vehicles.

The Legal Ramifications of a Fatal Highway Crash

In a multi-fatality crash like this one, surviving family members often have questions about their legal rights and whether any type of claim can be filed. Depending on the findings of the investigation, a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed on behalf of the deceased passengers.

Potential Legal Avenues:

1. Negligence of the SUV Driver (If a Non-Family Member Was Driving)
   • If the driver of the SUV was not related to the passengers and was operating the vehicle recklessly while attempting to pass multiple cars, they may be considered liable for the wrongful deaths.
2. Vehicle Malfunction
   • If a mechanical issue or manufacturing defect (such as tire blowout or brake failure) caused the driver to lose control, a product liability claim could be pursued against the automaker or parts manufacturer.
3. Road Design or Maintenance Issues
   • If poor signage, road defects, or a lack of passing zones contributed to the accident, local municipalities or the Florida Department of Transportation could be scrutinized for failing to maintain a safe roadway.
4. Trucking Company Liability (If Contributory Negligence is Found)
   • If the semitruck driver or company was speeding, distracted, or improperly loaded, a trucking company could be partially liable, even if the SUV initiated the crash.

Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

Under Florida Statutes § 768.19, the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit if the death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Eligible beneficiaries may include:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Other financial dependents

Damages may cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future income or support
• Pain and suffering of surviving loved ones
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have helped many Florida families navigate the aftermath of fatal car accidents. If you lost a loved one in a crash like this, we can provide compassionate, experienced guidance to determine whether a legal claim may be appropriate.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones left behind—those mourning parents, children, siblings, and friends now grappling with unimaginable loss.