OAKLAND PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - A driver was killed and a passenger was taken to the hospital after, authorities said, a box truck’s tire suddenly came loose and struck an SUV along Interstate 95 in Oakland Park, Tuesday evening.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the box truck was heading south along the highway when it lost its left front tire near Commercial Boulevard, just before 6:15 p.m.
“He suffered a catastrophic tire failure,” said FHP Lt. Alvaro A. Feola.
Officials said the tire bounced over the concrete barrier wall and onto the northbound lanes, smashing into the roof of a 2013 Ford Echo.
The 25-year-old driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported the female passenger in her 20s to Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale with injuries that were not life-threatening.
7News cameras captured the SUV with a damaged roof and a caved-in windshield in the median of the highway. Cameras also showed a distraught family member at the scene seeking information on the violent wreck.
“Obviously, when one of these events and this tragedy happens, it’s really sad,” said Feola. “You’re traveling northbound, and you get struck by a tire.”
Troopers shut down two northbound lanes of I-95 while they investigated. They have since reopened, but traffic remained backed up for hours.
Investigators said this type of accident is more common than some may think.
“Unfortunately, we see it many times,” said Feola.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
At this point it is unknown if any charges will be filed.
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