In an incident in downtown Miami, a dark green SUV accidentally became airborne and fell off the I-95 South overpass, landing on a fence along West Flagler Street. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. Both occupants were able to walk away, with one taken to a local trauma center as a precaution, according to WSVN.
Nearby bystanders responded quickly and compassionately to the accident. Mariah Lewis, who stopped to help with her daughter, searched her glove box for something to cut the seat belts. “They were pulling [the victims] out of the car. I had to hand my daughter a knife that I had in my car, so that they were able to cut the victims out of their seat belts,” Lewis recounted to WSVN. Her actions, along with those of other Good Samaritans, demonstrated the instinct to assist others in a crisis.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is investigating how the SUV deviated from its path on the highway, while onlookers and witnesses can only speculate. Julio Martinez, a witness who narrowly escaped being hit by the falling vehicle, recounted the experience to CBS News, stating, "If the car [doesn't] stop over there on the fence, I cannot talk to you now."
“It was bad, but it could have been worse,” Mariah Lewis acknowledged in an interview with WSVN. This sentiment is likely shared by all who witnessed Saturday's incident as the community processes the shock and relief of what could have been a tragedy.
Traffic was disrupted for a few hours, and roads were eventually reopened around 6 p.m.
