Three Killed in South Florida Turnpike Crash Involving Semi-Truck

Three people from South Florida tragically died in a crash on Florida’s Turnpike on August 12, authorities said. The collision involved a semi tractor-trailer attempting a U-turn in a restricted “official use only” area.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred near the 171-mile marker, just south of the St. Lucie County north border. The victims, who were traveling in a black 2015 Chrysler Town & Country van, included a 30-year-old man from Florida City, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 54-year-old man from Miami. Their names have not yet been released.

The truck, a blue 2024 International semi tractor-trailer carrying a box trailer, was traveling north with two men from California, aged 25 and 28, who were unharmed.

FHP said the crash happened just before 3 p.m. Monday. The semi attempted a U-turn from the outside lane into a restricted area along the Turnpike. As it crossed all northbound lanes, the van in the inside lane could not avoid the truck and became wedged under the left side of the trailer.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash and have urged drivers to use caution in restricted areas of the highway.