Four people in one SUV died after it was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on the Buckman Bridge about 2 p.m. Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say the investigation of the tragedy will keep the southbound lanes of the bridge closed through rush hour.
The FHP said two adults and two children in the SUV that burst into flames died. A second SUV was involved in the crash and three other people were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the big rig was not injured.
"It's a very complex scene; a very long scene," said FHP Sgt. Dylan Bryan. "That complicates things."
Florida Department of Transportation cameras showed a tractor-trailer and the SUV involved in the crash. Police, fire and rescue units arrived as a column of black smoke rose from the burning SUV.
Troopers said they think they know the identities of the victims, but they would notify families before they release them.
Southbound traffic that was halted by the crash was slowly turned around and exited the bridge. As of an hour after the crash, entrances to I-295 southbound were blocked at both Roosevelt and Blanding Boulevards.
The FHP said they had valuable witness information to help them understand how the accident happened.
