Fort Pierce, FL (August 14, 2025) – A devastating crash involving a semi-truck and a minivan claimed the lives of three people on Tuesday along the northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike near Fort Pierce. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred when a semi-truck attempted an illegal U-turn at an “Official Use Only” median crossover, directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Authorities say the semi-truck was traveling in the right lane of the Turnpike when the driver initiated the U-turn across the northbound lanes. A Chrysler Town & Country minivan, traveling north in the left lane, was unable to avoid the truck as it crossed in front of it. The minivan was forced underneath the trailer in a violent impact.
Two passengers in the minivan—a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami—died at the scene. The 30-year-old driver, a man from Florida City, was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.
The semi-truck driver and a passenger, both men in their 20s from California, were not injured in the crash.
Northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike were closed for several hours on Tuesday as investigators and cleanup crews worked the scene. FHP continues to investigate the crash, and no charges have yet been announced.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were lost in this heartbreaking incident.
Fatal Truck Accidents in Florida
Crashes involving commercial trucks are among the most catastrophic incidents on Florida highways. The recent tragedy on Florida’s Turnpike in Fort Pierce highlights the deadly consequences of illegal maneuvers by large vehicles—especially at restricted median crossovers marked for official use only. These U-turn areas are not intended for public or commercial vehicle access, as using them across high-speed lanes presents significant risks to surrounding traffic.
Truck accidents often result in fatalities due to the size and weight disparity between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. When a minivan collides with the undercarriage of a trailer, the outcome is almost always severe or deadly, as seen in this devastating event. These types of crashes also create complex investigations that may involve federal transportation safety regulations, company liability, and roadway design.
Families affected by fatal truck crashes face unimaginable loss, compounded by medical bills, funeral costs, and legal challenges. For many, seeking support and trusted guidance becomes a necessary step in navigating the aftermath.
As Florida continues to address the dangers posed by large trucks on interstates and toll roads, incidents like this underscore the urgency for improved enforcement, clearer signage, and industry accountability.
If you’ve lost someone in a fatal truck crash, don’t wait to seek legal and emotional support. Help is available.
A life lost in a truck accident leaves lasting grief—Local Accident Reports is here to help you through. We provide direct access to trusted resources for families facing the loss of a loved one, including legal guidance, investigation updates, and grief support. Contact us today and let us stand beside you on the road to healing.
