Several students hospitalized after serious crash in Destin, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigates

RENEWAL: There is an update to this story here

Road accident involving two vehicles A car overturned and caught fire Friday night, involving several high school students, prompting the response of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office’s Highway Homicide Squad.

• Destin Fire Department reported that multiple injured patients were taken to HCA Florida Hospital in Fort Walton Destin and one patient was airlifted to Sacred Heart Pensacola.

accident, that happened at the intersection of Emerald Coast Parkway and Trista Terrace Court, involving students from Destin High School and the South Walton area.

Destin High School Principal Dr. Diane Kelly visited one of her students and his father in the hospital on Friday night, where the student was scheduled for surgery.

“I promised that his favorite foods would be waiting for him when he finished his surgery,” Kelly said in an address to school families.

• Additional students from the South Walton area are being treated at various Gulf Coast hospitals, according to the school. The exact number of injured students is not specified.

It was noted in the sheriff’s office that its Traffic Homicide Squad responds to all fatal or serious injury accidents that could result in a fatality. The westbound lanes of the Emerald Coast Parkway were temporarily closed after the incident, but have since reopened.

Addressing the school community’s response to the incidentKelly expressed concern about the spread of misinformation online. “This news has shocked our school community, especially students and staff, as false rumors quickly spread online,” she said.

To support those affected by the accidentthe school takes immediate action.

• “Our Shark Counseling team will be on campus on Monday to assist any students or staff who may need additional support,” Kelly said. “If necessary, I will personally coordinate support for the student’s family.”

Kelly concluded her statement by asking the community to “keep the affected families in your thoughts and prayers, as well as our sharks and the Seahawk community at this difficult time.”