Florida’s Turnpike turned into a standstill Tuesday in Osceola County, after a fatal crash shut down the highway in both directions near mile marker 240 and brought a heavy response from troopers and local fire crews.
Authorities said one person was killed in the crash, which backed up traffic around St. Cloud as investigators worked the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
According to WESH, the Florida Highway Patrol reported the shutdown at mile marker 240 southbound and confirmed that troopers were on scene. Crews were working to clear debris, and a medevac helicopter was being readied as part of the response. Drivers in the area were urged to slow down and give first responders plenty of room to work.
In a message cited by WESH, the St. Cloud Police Department said roads were closed “to allow Orlando Health's Air Care team to land on the highway.” Officials told the outlet that using the Turnpike as an impromptu landing zone would help move a critically injured patient more quickly to a trauma center.
Air Care Landing Used To Speed Trauma Transport
The Orlando Health Air Care team runs hospital-based helicopters across Central Florida and frequently lands on roadways when patients need rapid transfer to a trauma center, according to Orlando Health Air Care. Closing a stretch of highway lets air crews bypass traffic and cut crucial minutes off the trip to the hospital.
Traffic Snarled As Troopers Investigate
The Florida Highway Patrol’s live incident map, which tracks active crashes and closures, showed troopers at the scene while the investigation continued, per the Florida Highway Patrol. Local police asked drivers to avoid the area altogether and to follow directions from officers and firefighters as they worked to reopen the roadway.
Commuters faced delays in both directions during the response. Troopers are investigating what led up to the crash and have asked anyone with information to contact FHP. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
