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UPDATE: Two Die in Fiery, Head-On Hillsborough Crash

Crime Scene | Dead Body | Chalk Outline

A van caught fire after hitting a tractor-trailer head on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A Tampa man and his passenger died from injuries received Wednesday (Oct. 12) in a head-on crash, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Robert Staehle, 66, died at the scene. Joan Staehle, 66, was taken to Tampa General Hospital with critical injuries. She died Thursday (Oct. 13) morning. Both were from Tampa. Diomithis Koukos, 61, of Spring Hill, the driver of the other vehicle, received minor injuries.

The crash happened about 10:39 a.m. on U.S. 301 at Dead River Road. Troopers said Mr. Staehle was driving a 1999 Chrysler van north on U.S. 301 when he crossed into oncoming traffic. The van hit a 1983 semi-tractor-trailer driven by Koukos head on. After the impact, the van caught fire. The tractor-trailer traveled into a wooded area west of the roadway.

For information about the Florida Highway Patrol, go to flhsmv.gov.

Florida Highway Patrol | Head-On Crash | Traffic Death | Robert Staehle | TB Reporter

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