ST. CLOUD, Fla. (WSVN) — An SUV crashed into a toll booth barrier in Osceola County, ejecting a passenger into the air.
Surveillance cameras captured the scene near St. Cloud on June 3, as the SUV plowed into a barrier at a toll booth.
A passenger from that SUV could be seen being ejected and flying through the air, nearly slamming into a concrete pole.
All five people inside managed to escape. They were transported to the hospital but have since been released.
“When you see an ejection like that through a windshield and that distance, it’s luck,” said Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Mark Castleberry. “If you believe in a higher power, it’s something, but it’s very fortunate for that passenger.”
The vehicle also caught on fire as other passengers rushed to get out.
The mother of passenger Marcus Joseph said it’s a miracle her son survived and is now recovering from a fractured leg.
Driver Stephen Agostinho Dos Santos has been charged with careless driving.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the cause of the crash was likely due to driver fatigue, and that alcohol and drugs were not involved.
“I believe the driver was tired. We’re not suspecting impairment, but you can see on the video and the crash report reflects that the vehicle basically just traveled into the toll plaza,” said Castleberry.
Troopers advise motorists to be well rested before getting behind the wheel, to slow down when heading toward a toll booth and to always buckle up.
“Know your limits. Pay attention. Know when your body is telling you it’s time to take a break,” said Castleberry.
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