Breaking Morning News: Driver dies after crash with tractor-trailer in Charlotte County

A 20-year-old Port Charlotte man was killed Thursday morning after authorities say he drove through a red light and collided with a tractor-trailer near Interstate 75 in Charlotte County.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:11 am. at the intersection of U.S. 17, also known as State Road 35, and I-75, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

FHP said the Port Charlotte man was driving a Volkswagen GTI east on U.S. 17 in the left through lane as he approached the interstate.

At the same time, a Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by a 68-year-old Hialeah man was traveling west on U.S. 17 in the designated left-turn lane. The truck driver had a green left-turn arrow and began turning onto the I-75 entrance ramp, according to the report.

The Volkswagen failed to stop at a red traffic signal and entered the tractor-trailer’s path, FHP said. The left front of the Volkswagen struck the trailer portion of the truck.

The Volkswagen driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

The FHP did not release the names of the drivers involved in the collision.

This breaking news may be updated if more details are known.