FLORIDA — A chain-reaction crash involving three semi-trucks left one driver dead and another seriously injured early Wednesday morning on Florida’s Turnpike, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Troopers say the collision occurred just before 3:30 a.m. south of Osceola Parkway near mile marker 248. All three semis were traveling south in the outside lane when traffic began to slow.
Investigators report that a 2018 semi tractor with a double trailer failed to notice the slowdown and crashed into the rear of a 2013 Volvo semi driven by a 38-year-old man. The impact pushed the Volvo into the back of a 2025 Freightliner semi with a double trailer driven by a 55-year-old man.
Following the crash, the 2018 semi caught fire. Its driver, who has not yet been identified, died at the scene. FHP said the medical examiner will provide identification once it is confirmed.
The driver of the Volvo was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The Freightliner driver was not injured and remained at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
As of 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, all southbound lanes near Osceola Parkway remained closed. Drivers were being detoured onto OBT, while northbound motorists experienced delays but did not need a detour.
