Jan 23, 2008 1:37 pm US/Eastern
I-95 Re-opens After Deadly Collision
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
The southbound lanes of I-95 have re-opened between Hallandale Beach Boulevard and Ives Dairy Road after being shutdown for more than four hours following an accident that left two people dead.
According to Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky, the accident took place around 6:00 a.m. It involved an 18-wheel tractor trailer that jackknifed and 5 to 6 other vehicles. Investigators on the scene said a hit-and-run vehicle may have also been involved.
Two people inside a Nissan pickup both died. Their bodies had to be extricated with the Jaws of Life from the crushed remains of the vehicle.
At least two others were hospitalized including the driver of the tractor trailer and another motorist. Two others hurt in the wreck refused treatment, said authorities.
Multiple fire rescue units responded to the scene including units from Miami-Dade, Broward and Hallandale Beach. The crews sprayed white foam all over the highway to prevent spilled fuel from igniting.
"When fire crews arrived they encountered a big mess. They encountered a small pick-up truck that was severely damaged," said Lieutenant Arnold Piedrahita of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. "Fire crews realized that the two victims in the pick-up truck were so heavily entrapped that they called a technical rescue unit to try to use the Jaws of Life to remove the two patients."
The Florida Highway Patrol diverted motorists who were stranded at the accident to exit off the highway by using the SB entrance ramp at Pembroke Road.
All drivers were asked to avoid the area. Alternate routes included U.S. 1 and US 441, University Drive and the Turnpike.
There was also an accident in the northbound lanes about 15 minutes after the initial crash but there were no injuries in that accident and traffic has resumed in the northbound lanes.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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