• 09
  • September
    2011

A car was recently involved in a semi truck accident, claiming the life of a 17-year old girl and leaving her friend in the hospital. Both of the girls were 17-years-old and in Miami to see a play. They were traveling home when they were hit from behind by a semi.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred in early August after the Toyota 4Runner the teens were driving became disabled on the Florida Turnpike. Shortly after the teens stopped, their car was hit by a semi tractor-trailer near PGA Boulevard at approximately 1:29 a.m.

Troopers at the scene said initial investigations indicate the 4Runner struck the median wall and guard rail before stopping in the right southbound lane. The truck driver crashed into the rear of the vehicle after cresting a hill on the turnpike, splitting the Toyota in two pieces, said a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol.

The passenger of the 4Runner tragically died at the scene, while the driver sustained injuries and was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Because of spilled fuel and a police investigation, authorities closed the southbound lanes of the turnpike for about six hours from Indiantown Road to PGA Boulevard. Troops continued to investigate the accident but decided to re-open the roadway after 7 a.m. The accident marks the third serious crash to close that section of the turnpike in almost six months.

Both accidents involved tractor-trailers, but fortunately only one accident caused injuries.

Source: WPTV News Channel 5, "Crash near Palm Beach Gardens on southbound turnpike results in one death," Sonja Isger, Aug. 10, 2011