Three siblings and their mother died in a three-vehicle crash that shut southbound lanes of the Buckman Bridge down for about five hours Monday.
The Florida Highway Patrol said their investigation shows an SUV traveling southbound was stopped in the left center lane, due to possible mechanical issues, when another SUV stopped behind them. That’s when a semi came up behind the two SUVs hitting the second SUV first and then colliding with the SUV that was originally stopped.
“It [the SUV] was pushed in to a concrete barrier wall on the inside shoulder of the Buckman Bridge. It then caught fire and, unfortunately, trapped the victims inside as the fire ensued,” said FHP Sergeant Dylan Bryan.
A mother, two teenagers, and a 6-year-old died. FHP identifies the victims as Yakel Culclager, 36, Trequis Woods-Sims, 18, Tradesia Woods-Sims, 17, and Trevieon Woods-Franklin, 6.
Three people were injured in the other SUV, but their injuries are considered minor.
Southbound lanes of the Buckman Bridge were closed from around 2 p.m., when the crash happened, to shortly after 7 p.m. Monday. The Florida Department of Transportation said some minor repair work will need to be done at a later time, but there are no structural concerns on the bridge.
The Florida Department of Transportation tell us there were some 1,200 crashes from 2009 through 2013 on the Buckman Bridge and the connecting interchanges at San Jose and Roosevelt. Just under 400 happened on the bridge itself. Inspectors deemed the bridge was structurally safe after the crash, but FDOT said crews still needed to make minor repairs.
The Florida Department of Transportation tell us there were some 1,200 crashes from 2009 through 2013 on the Buckman Bridge and the connecting interchanges at San Jose and Roosevelt. Just under 400 happened on the bridge itself. Inspectors deemed the bridge was structurally safe after the crash, but FDOT said crews still needed to make minor repairs.
A gofundme account has been set up for the family. Their pastor, Daniel Riddick of Trinity at Oakleaf is collecting gifts cards at 800 Hammond Blvd and asking them to be dropped off with the C building at the front desk.
WOKV will continue to follow any charges that could be filed as a result of the crash. Stay with us on 104.5 FM and get instant updates on Twitter, follow @WOKVNews.
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