Two Cape Coral men remained hospitalized Tuesday after being involved in a five-vehicle crash over the weekend on Cape Coral Parkway.
James L. Pasquini, 39, of 1910 N.W. Juanita Place, was listed in critical condition at HealthPark Hospital, according to officials. Steven R. Bowman, 33, also of 1910 N.W. Juanita Place, was at Lee Memorial Hospital in fair condition.
At about 10:42 a.m. Saturday, Bowman was driving a 1998 Honda Accord east on Cape Coral Parkway West in the left lane and approaching the intersection at Skyline Boulevard. At the same time, several vehicles were lined up facing east in the left lane, waiting on a red light at Skyline.
According to police, Bowman approached the rear of the last vehicle in line and struck it at full speed. Witnesses reported that the Honda was traveling about 50 mph at the time, and that Bowman never slowed or tried to brake.
The posted speed limit is 45 mph.
The collision caused a chain reaction, forcing forward all vehicles in line.
Bowman, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital. His passenger, Pasquini, reportedly had not been wearing a seat belt. He sustained life-threatening injuries.
Police reported that Pasquini had to be extricated from the Honda. He was airlifted from the scene to Lee Memorial, then later airlifted to HealthPark.
The Honda struck from behind a 2009 Dodge Journey SUV, which was being driven by Jennifer L. Bermudez, 42, of 2802 Beth Ave., Lehigh Acres. She sustained minor injuries in the crash and was transported to Lee Memorial.
Officials reported that Bermudez had been discharged as of Tuesday.
The occupants of the other involved vehicles reported no injuries.
They included: a 2004 Volkswagon Jetta, driven by Michelle T. Voss, 49, and occupied by Nicholas Voss, 12, both of 2322 S.W. 30th St.; a 2003 Chevrolet S10 truck, driven by Jo Dee Englund, 31, of 2329 S.W. 30th Terrace; and a 2010 Jeep Patriot, driven by Mather P. Edward, 37, of 522 Amherst Road, Linden, N.J.
According to police, a traffic homicide investigation is being conducted due to the injuries involved and because drugs or alcohol may have played a part.