A PUB landlord from New Brighton is reported paralysed, his son injured, a close pub regular friend killed, and another has lost a leg in a shocking road traffic accident in Florida.

Early reports say their minibus was hit by a drunk driver with previous convictions.

All were enjoying a golfing holiday together in the south-eastern US state.

Perch Rock pub boss Fred Hibberd is in hospital in Daytona Beach apparently unable to move from the waist down. His son Joe is also receiving treatment.

Malcolm Allanson, 59, a passenger on the minibus, was killed.

The Daytona-based News-Journal says the incident happened at 9.17pm local time on Monday evening.

"The Deltona man who slammed into a minivan, killing one British tourist and injuring five of his travelling companions, has several previous traffic citations, court records show," says the report.

"Daytona Beach police said they suspect Lamar Elton, 47, was drunk Monday night when he rear-ended the minivan stopped at a red light at International Speedway Boulevard and Midway Avenue.

"'Alcohol is suspected and charges are pending,' Daytona Beach police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said in a written statement.

"The pick-up truck driven by Elton, 47, rammed into the rear of the minivan.

"The driver of the minivan, Stuart Gemmel, 44, suffered minor injuries while Fred Hibberd, who was in the front seat, was possibly paralyzed from the waist down, Flynt said.

"Passengers Joe Hibberd and Paul Boom, 61, suffered injuries not considered life threatening and Wayne Maycock, 50, lost a leg, Flynt said.

"Joe Hibberd, whose age was not released, was at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center on Tuesday.

"Boom also was taken to Florida Hospital Memorial while Fred Hibberd, whose age also was unavailable, and Maycock were taken to Halifax hospital."

The report adds: "Elton's injuries were not life-threatening, but his dog, a golden retriever sitting in his lap, was killed in the crash, police said.

"Elton could not be reached Tuesday but court records show he has been issued nine traffic citations since 1997.

"He was cited twice in 1999 on a motorcycle, once for riding 104 mph in a 65 mph zone and then for doing 85 mph in a 55 mph area.

"He was also cited in 2006 for running a stop sign, court records show.

"Elton also spent two days in jail after pleading no contest for disorderly intoxication in 2002, according to court documents."

A spokesman for the Perch Rock pub said tonight: "We know as much as you do - we're obviously anxiously waiting to hear more news."