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Miami-Dade County, FL (February 19, 2026) – Two men were killed, and another person was hospitalized following a three-vehicle crash early on Thursday morning on Card Sound Rd in the Florida Keys. The deadly collision prompted authorities to shut down the roadway in both directions for several hours.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene around February 19 at 5:15 a.m. The crash occurred on Card Sound Rd, approximately eight miles south of U.S. 1. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, while another individual was transported to a nearby hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The shutdown impacted Card Sound Rd from U.S. 1 to the Monroe County line. At about 9:30 a.m., the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office alerted drivers that the road would remain closed for several hours, leaving the 18 Mile Stretch of U.S. 1 as the only route for motorists traveling in and out of the Florida Keys. Officials advised drivers to expect heavy traffic along the alternate route.
Key Details
- Reported: February 19 at 5:15 a.m.
- Location: Card Sound Rd, about eight miles south of U.S. 1, Miami-Dade County
- Vehicles Involved: Three vehicles
- Fatalities: Two men were pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: One person was transported to the hospital
- Road Status: Card Sound Rd closed in both directions for several hours
What We Know So Far
- Deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash early Thursday morning.
- The collision occurred along Card Sound Rd, roughly eight miles south of U.S. 1.
- Two men lost their lives in the crash.
- Another person was taken to a hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
- Card Sound Rd was closed from U.S. 1 to the Monroe County line.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identities of the victims.
- The events leading up to the crash.
- Whether any additional vehicles were indirectly involved.
- When the roadway will fully reopen.
Local Context
Multi-vehicle crashes on corridors such as Card Sound Rd can be especially disruptive because the roadway serves as one of only two main access points to and from the Florida Keys. When a serious crash occurs in this area, responders typically focus first on medical assessments and scene safety, followed by traffic control to prevent secondary collisions. With limited alternate routes available, closures can quickly lead to significant congestion, particularly when the 18 Mile Stretch of U.S. 1 becomes the sole option for drivers. Clearing debris, documenting vehicle positions, and coordinating towing services often extend closure times in crashes involving multiple vehicles.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries; call 911 if emergency medical assistance is needed.
- Remain at the scene and follow directions from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
- If it is safe, take photos of vehicle positions, visible damage, and surrounding road conditions.
- Arrange for safe towing if necessary and avoid standing near active traffic lanes while waiting for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can multi-vehicle accidents take longer to clear?
Crashes involving several vehicles require additional documentation, coordination among multiple drivers, and often more extensive debris removal before lanes can safely reopen.
Why do highway accidents create backups so quickly?
When a key roadway is blocked, traffic has limited alternatives, causing congestion to build rapidly and extend beyond the immediate crash site.
What do responders typically do first at an injury accident scene?
They prioritize checking for injuries and securing the area to protect those involved before beginning documentation and traffic management.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
