Late one night last week, a multi-vehicle crash outside Broward County involving an 18-wheeler and two compact sedans left three dead and several more injured. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the tragic truck accident happened when a semi-truck driver noticed two cars stationary in the northbound lane of U.S. 27 moments too late. He tried to stop, but could not, striking them from behind. Both cars were crushed, killing three teenagers and seriously injuring four others in the compact sedans.
Dubbed as "Alligator Alley," the accident occurred on a stretch of U.S. 27 known for illegal drag racing. Earlier in December, the highway patrol had broken up a street-racing gathering. Authorities are still investigating whether any of the teenagers in the cars were connected to the illegal street racing a few weeks before.
No charges have been filed in the accident, although it is still under investigation. Florida Highway Sergeant Mark Wysocky said, "We are investigating to see if there was some sort of racing going on... We are not sure yet." Troopers are concerned that illegal street racing is on the rise in Broward County.
A new Florida state law took effect on October 1, slapping larger fines on drivers repeatedly charged with street racing. Second offenses can cost over $1,000 and three or more violations can result in a driver's license revocation.
Florida Highway Patrol has increased enforcement in hopes that cracking down on illegal street racing will save lives. "You have the risk of being involved in a crash, in killing other people, or anyone standing and watching or observing," noted Sgt. Wysocky.
It is unclear whether illegal street racing was involved in this semi-car accident. Witnesses stated that the two sedans were stationary, parked parallel next to each other in two northbound lanes. But the driver of one car told a local news station that he wasn't racing - he had car trouble and had asked the other car's driver to follow behind him.
The passenger in the semi offered condolences to everyone affected. Her husband, the driver of the tractor-trailer, distraught over the accident, declined to comment. No driver fatigue or drunken driving is suspected.
Provided By: Fiol & Gomez
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