The Northbound lanes of Interstate-95 became a scene of tragedy last night when a 15-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run incident, as per a Florida Highway Patrol report. The crash took place near J. Turner Butler Boulevard around 9 p.m., detailed a First Coast News release. The ensuing investigation disrupted the flow of traffic into the late hours as emergency teams responded to the catastrophic event.
Authorities said, a black Toyota Tacoma was struck from behind by a white Honda Civic, causing the Tacoma to overturn. According to a news release obtained by Action News Jax, the 15-year-old driver of the Tacoma was transported to Wolfson’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A 16-year-old passenger in the truck was, fortunately, not injured in the incident.
Adding to the gravity of the crash, neither occupant of the Tacoma was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, a crucial detail highlighted by News4Jax. The driver who initiated this tragic chain of events fled the scene on foot and, as of the latest reports, remains at large.
Traffic was significantly impacted not only on the northbound side but also the southbound side, where the left lane was closed as crews worked the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol continues their appeal for any information that could lead to the apprehension, of the individual behind the wheel of the Honda Civic.
