BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol reported three children were among four people hospitalized after a crash that forced lane closures on Interstate 95 southbound in Brevard County.
Troopers responded to the crash around noon at mile marker 179 (Melbourne), according to FHP. Traffic cameras showed the two rightmost lanes were blocked, leading to long backups along I-95. The lanes had been cleared by 1:23 p.m.
According to a preliminary FHP crash report, a 2012 Lexus LS was traveling southbound on I-95 — at what witnesses said was above the posted speed limit, weaving through traffic — when it struck the left side of a semitruck while attempting to change from the center lane to the outside lane in the semitruck’s direct path. The Lexus’ driver then lost control of the vehicle, causing the Lexus to run off the roadway right and begin overturning, the report states.
The driver of the Lexus — a 35-year-old Sebastian man — was not restrained within the car and was ejected, troopers said. He was hospitalized for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to FHP.
Three children were riding as passengers in the Lexus, according to FHP. A 12-year-old boy who was wearing a seat belt and a 3-year-old boy in a child car seat were both hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, troopers said.
A 13-year-old girl in the Lexus was unrestrained, sitting in the front-right seat, and was also ejected from the vehicle, troopers said. She was airlifted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the report states.
The driver of the semitruck, a 58-year-old Hialeah man, was not injured and remained at the scene.
FHP is still investigating.
Originally reported as a hit-and-run crash, the FHP later rescinded that detail and said it was initially relayed because the semitruck was unable to stop at the area of the collision due to its brake system sustaining damage. The semitruck’s driver was ultimately able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop on the shoulder, after which he walked back to the crash scene, FHP said.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
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