Dump truck strikes vehicle, overturns

Traffic was backed up from the intersection of 189 with State Road 85 at about 5:45 p.m., when Ralph G. Hammitt of Freeport was approaching in his Mack truck.

The 46-year-old told rescue workers that he looked up and saw that traffic was stopped, but couldn't stop in time.

Edgar A. Martineck, a 50-year-old DeFuniak Springs man, said that when he realized the dump truck wasn't going to be able to stop in time, he headed for the median, but couldn't quite get out of the larger vehicle's way

"The dump truck clipped the right side of the pick-up truck, skidded down the hill and rolled over on its side," said Battalion Chief Scott Funchess with the Ocean City - Wright Fire Control District.

When the first truck arrived on scene, Hammitt er was trying to climb out of the truck. Fire crews extricated him and put him on a backboard, Funchess said.

The accident happened in the eastbound lanes, about 700 yards past the highway's intersection with Poquito Road.

Hammitt was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center with minor injuries. His truck sustained about $3,500 in damage.

Martineck, who was driving a 1995 Dodge pick-up truck was taken to North Okaloosa Medical Center with minor injuries. His vehicle had about $4,000 in damage.

Both men were wearing seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor, according to the Florida Highway Patrol press release.

Hammitt was charged with careless driving.

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident