The Florida Highway Patrol says that a truck driver lost his life this morning in a major multi-vehicle crash that shut down an interstate for hours.
The crash occurred around 5 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, in Boynton Beach, Florida.
95 SHUT DOW SOUTH BOUND AT Hypoluxo rd Due to a Double Semi tractor trailer crash at Gateway blvd take Lantana rd to High Ridge rd to Gateway blvd to get back on I95 pic.twitter.com/FMPO46JHa7
— Johann Hoffend (@Chopper5WPTV) May 30, 2019
Troopers say that the crash happened on southbound I-95 as traffic slowed in a construction zone. Two semi trucks headed south slowed for construction, but a third semi truck failed to stop, crashing into one of the slowed truck and triggering a chain reaction crash.
Two of the trucks caught fire after the violent crash.
The driver of the third truck died at the scene. One of the other truck drivers was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
UNBELIEVABLE video of this fatal crash today on I-95 SB at Gateway Blvd. All lanes are blocked. Two semi trucks crashed and caught fire before melting together due to some hazardous materials they were carrying. pic.twitter.com/BqC0nZ7mmd
— Samantha Bryant (@sbryantWPLG) May 30, 2019
State police are still investigating the cause of the fatal crash, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
The fire caused two of the trucks to melt together, which hampered efforts to clear the interstate.
All lanes of I-95 were reopened by 1:30 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is asking drivers to keep their focus on the road while driving. “Gotta pay attention to the vehicles in front of you. You never know when somebody is going to slow down or have to avoid something on the roadway. You have to pay attention,” said the Florida Highway Patrol’s Matthew Gallagher.
Video of the aftermath of the fiery truck crash along I-95 in Boynton Beach. https://t.co/hOnfyRwMqm pic.twitter.com/uHf5N1PYP9
— WPEC CBS12 News (@CBS12) May 30, 2019