Fog, Speed Likely Factors in Courtney Campbell Crash, Police Say

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Police say a Tuesday morning crash that closed the eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway may have been caused by a combination of factors including speed and foggy conditions.

According to the agency, Ioan Lupeanu, 19, of Dania Beach was driving a Mercedes SUV eastbound on the causeway just before 8 a.m. Rebecca Militaru, 18, was a passenger in the front seat while 6-month-old Anelissa Lupeanu was also with them.

“Witnesses say that Ioan Lupeanu was driving above the speed limit in very foggy conditions and changing lanes repeatedly when he slammed into the rear of a white commercial van that was stopped because of traffic,” an email from the police department said. “Preliminary information indicates that the child was not properly restrained at the time of the accident.”

Militaru and her daughter were both taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa for treatment of injuries. Police say the mother suffered minor injuries. The baby was last listed in serious condition. Ioan Lupeanu was not injured in the crash.

The driver of the commercial van, Brian Harris, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

“Clearwater Police will be consulting with the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office to decide what charges, if any, might be forthcoming,” the agency’s email said.

Two other vehicles also suffered minor damage in the crash. The accident closed eastbound lanes for three hours Tuesday morning.

Image via Shutterstock