Traffic alert: Fiery 18-wheeler crash shuts down Turnpike near I-75 in Miami-Dade
One person was airlifted to the hospital after an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer crashed into seven other vehicles, tipped over and caught fire on Florida’s Turnpike extension in northwest Miami-Dade during the Thursday morning rush hour, according to authorities.
The fiery crash, which happened around 8:30 a.m., initially shut down the Turnpike in both directions near Interstate 75.
A rescue helicopter landed in the northbound lanes of the Turnpike. As of 4 p.m., Florida 511 no longer listed any lane closures on either side of the stretch of the Turnpike.
The driver behind the wheel of the truck was driving southbound when he or she “lost control” and collided into seven other vehicles, Lt. Alex Camacho, a Florida Highway Patrol spokesman, said in a statement.
“After the series of crashes, the tractor-trailer collided into the median concrete barrier wall, where it overturned and caught on fire,” he said.
Camacho said the injuries reported were “non-life threatening.”
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue airlifted one person to the hospital while Miramar Fire Rescue evaluated four additional people at the scene, the county’s fire rescue team told the Miami Herald.
NBC 6 South Florida footage showed the 18-wheeler engulfed in flames and tipped to one side.
Miami Herald reporter Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report. This article will be updated when more information is available.
This story was originally published February 8, 2024 at 8:53 AM.
