DESTIN, Fla. — A high-speed crash on Emerald Coast Parkway Friday evening involving a gray 2023 Dodge Charger and a black 2024 Volkswagen Atlas left four teenagers hospitalized with serious injuries.
The collision reportedly occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. as the Charger, occupied by four teens, was said to be traveling west on Emerald Coast Parkway from the Walton County line. Witnesses reported the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, passing other vehicles, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
The Charger reportedly collided with the Volkswagen Atlas, driven by a motorist attempting to make a left turn onto Tequesta Drive from the eastbound lanes. The impact caused the Charger to strike a utility pole, split in half, overturn, and catch fire.
Responders extricated the driver, and two of the occupants were ejected due to the force of the collision. All four teens were transported to Fort Walton Beach-Destin Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, with at least two sustaining critical injuries, the OCSO said.
The driver of the Volkswagen Atlas was also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
Emerald Coast Parkway’s westbound lanes were closed for several hours as the OCSO Traffic Homicide Investigation team continued their investigation. Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors at this time, according to authorities.
