PALM BAY, Fla. – State troopers blame a blowout tire for a moving truck crash on Interstate 95 Monday morning that closed the road for three hours while debris were removed.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said a front tire went flat causing the large truck to hit the interstate guardrail and overturn, blocking all three lanes of northbound traffic north of Palm Bay Road.
"They're very lucky," FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said about the crash victims who survived.\
FHP said the driver and passenger of the moving truck were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Troopers said 35 gallons of diesel fuel and the victims' possessions that were being moved spilled onto the interstate.
Troopers said the tire that separated from the Allied Movers vehicle was illegal.
"We believe they were using recapped tires on the steer axle which is against the law," Taylor told News 6.
Taylor explained that tread being re-added to tires is an illegal practice usually done on commercial vehicles like the large moving truck involved in Monday's wreck.
"It's cheaper than a brand-new tire," Taylor said.
FHP is investigating whether the South Florida driver and the passenger who rented the truck or the truck company itself will be liable for the crash.
Troopers said even though it's not the victims' truck, renters are still responsible for their safety.
"They're responsible for what's called a 'pre-trip inspection,'" Taylor said. "If they think there's something not safe, they should make sure that vehicle does not go into service."
Troopers also said investigators will search company records for Allied Movers looking for any violations.
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