Semi crash causes traffic nightmare on Butler Boulevard

Traffic was gridlocked on Butler Boulevard eastbound Thursday night.

The delays were caused by an accident involving an overturned semi-truck near Gate Parkway.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a vehicle traveling in the right lane suddenly drove into the center lane, cutting in front of a semi-truck.

FHP said the truck driver “took evasive action by breaking in order to avoid a collision.”  The truck’s brakes locked, causing it to crash into the center concrete barrier.

After slamming into the wall, FHP said the truck turned over onto its side and blocked three lanes of traffic on Butler Boulevard eastbound.

FHP identified the driver of the semi-truck as 43-year-old Daniel Ray Cox and his passenger as 43-year-old Mitchell Rudolph Campbell.  Both men were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

It’s unclear why the person driving the first vehicle suddenly switched lanes, according to FHP.

WOKV is reaching out to FHP to learn if they have located the driver responsible and if that person will face any charges.