The Tuesday morning drive on I-95 northbound in Melbourne turned tragic when the driver of an SUV was killed after rear-ending a semi-tractor-trailer, shutting down the highway near the Wickham Road exit. The crash happened around 6 a.m. at mile marker 191, and troopers said a Dodge Journey struck the rear of a semi that was stopped in traffic. The SUV driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries while Florida Highway Patrol troopers worked the investigation.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, the wreck involved a 2017 Dodge Journey and a 2015 Mack semi that was stopped in traffic when the SUV hit it from behind, per ClickOrlando. Channel 9's coverage adds that the Dodge's passenger was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center with serious injuries and that the semi driver was unhurt and stayed at the scene, according to WFTV. Authorities initially blocked all northbound lanes at mile marker 191 while crews cleared the wreck, leading to a rough start for the morning rush.
Traffic Impacts and Detours
All northbound lanes at the Wickham Road exit were initially shut down, forcing drivers to bail out at Pineda Causeway and use Wickham Road to hop back onto I-95, according to WESH. Traffic cameras and live updates showed long backups piling up on feeder roads as commuters tried to snake around the closure. Drivers were urged to expect delays through the morning commute while troopers and cleanup crews worked to reopen the highway.
Investigation Ongoing
Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation and that the identity of the driver has not yet been released, according to Space Coast Daily. The outlet also quoted an FHP trooper saying that preliminary evidence points to a rear-end collision that happened after traffic had stopped ahead of the semi. Troopers are asking anyone with additional information about the wreck to contact the Florida Highway Patrol as they continue their inquiry.
