Tragic Turnpike Crash: Three Lives Lost in Horrific Semi Collision
A tragic crash on Florida's Turnpike involved a semi and a minivan, resulting in three fatalities near Pompano Beach.
Tragic Turnpike Crash: Three Lives Lost in Horrific Semi Collision
A tragic accident occurred on the Florida Turnpike this past Monday, claiming the lives of three South Florida residents in what has been described as a horrifying collision. According to TCPalm, the crash took place near mile marker 171 in St. Lucie County when a semi-truck attempted a U-turn into an area designated for official use only. The maneuver resulted in a devastating collision with a minivan, leaving all three occupants of the minivan deceased.
The victims included a 30-year-old man from Florida City, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 54-year-old man from Miami. They were passengers in a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country, which collided with the semi-truck and became wedged underneath the vehicle’s left side. Sadly, the crash occurred just before 3 p.m., and emergency responders later pronounced the two women dead at the scene. The male driver was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce but succumbed to his injuries shortly before 5:15 p.m.
Traffic Chaos and Investigation
The aftermath of the crash was profound, causing all northbound lanes of the Turnpike to be shut down. As reported by WPTV, the incident prompted a traffic homicide investigation led by the Florida Highway Patrol and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Eyewitness reports suggest that the semi-truck and trailer jackknifed, coming to rest on top of the minivan, which exacerbated the chaos on the Turnpike.
The scene remained active for several hours, with fire rescue crews responding to assist trapped passengers. Updates revealed that the two occupants of the semi truck—aged 25 and 28 from California—were uninjured in the crash. All travelers in the minivan, however, were not so fortunate.
Public Warning and Traffic Measures
As traffic continued to back up past mile marker 169, motorists were urged to steer clear of the area and seek alternative routes. The on-ramp at Exit 152 was also closed due to police activity related to the investigation. According to CBS 12, road rangers were dispatched to assist in managing the heavy traffic congestion created by the crash.
Officials are encouraging the public to remain patient and cautious, especially as crews work diligently at the scene toward investigations. Under Florida law, passing motorists must slow down or move over for emergency vehicles. The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on our roads, highlighting the need for caution and awareness while driving.