Volusia County, FL (February 17, 2026) – A 29-year-old man from Edgewater was killed late Monday night after his car collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95. The crash occurred February 16 at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the northbound lanes near mile marker 241, close to Edgewater, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers reported that a 2025 Hyundai Sonata was traveling in the center northbound lane when it struck the back of a tractor-trailer traveling in the same lane. The impact resulted in the Sonata driver being pronounced dead at the scene after emergency crews assessed him for a variety of injuries. The 50-year-old male driver of the tractor-trailer, from Yulee, remained at the scene and was reported to have minor injuries. The northbound lanes of I-95 were closed for several hours, extending into the early-morning commute, as authorities investigated and cleared the crash.
Key Details
- Reported: February 16 at approximately 11:30 p.m.
- Location: I-95 northbound near mile marker 241, Edgewater, FL
- Type: Car vs. tractor-trailer rear-end crash
- Injuries: One fatality; one driver with minor injuries
- Investigation: Ongoing by Florida Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred in the center northbound lane of I-95.
- A Hyundai Sonata collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer.
- The 29-year-old driver of the Sonata was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The tractor-trailer driver sustained minor injuries.
- Northbound lanes were closed for several hours, with traffic diverted onto U.S. 1 at Deering Pkwy in Mims.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The factors that led to the rear-end collision.
- Whether speed or visibility conditions played a role.
- Whether any mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
- When all investigative findings will be released.
Interstates such as I-95 near Edgewater carry steady, high-speed traffic, particularly in overnight hours when long-haul trucks share the roadway with passenger vehicles. When a fatal crash occurs in Volusia County, responders typically shut down one or more lanes to create a protective buffer for medical crews and investigators working close to live traffic. Rear-end collisions involving tractor-trailers can require extended closures due to the size of the vehicles and the need to clear debris from multiple lanes. Diversions, such as rerouting traffic onto U.S. 1 at Deering Pkwy, are often implemented to reduce congestion and prevent secondary crashes while the scene is documented and vehicles are removed.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, get to a safe area away from active lanes if possible and call 911 to request medical assistance.
- Stay at the scene and follow instructions from troopers and emergency personnel so traffic can be managed safely.
- Write down the exact location, direction of travel, and time of the crash while details are still fresh.
- Arrange for safe towing and avoid standing near moving traffic while waiting for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do drivers typically obtain an accident report?
In Florida, crash reports are generally available through the investigating agency, either online or by request, once they have been processed and approved for release.
Why do rear-end accidents happen in stop-and-go traffic?
Rear-end crashes often occur when drivers misjudge following distance or are unable to react quickly enough to sudden slowdowns, especially on busy highways.
Why can lanes stay restricted even after injured people are helped?
Even after medical care is completed, officers may keep lanes closed to document the scene, collect evidence, and safely remove damaged vehicles and debris.