FHP: Tow truck driver hit, killed on turnpike near Plantation
A preliminary investigation by Florida Highway Patrol into a deadly crash in Plantation that killed a tow truck driver has now turned into a criminal investigation as FHP is investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the fatality. The incident happened in the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike at Sunrise Boulevard around 5 a.m. Saturday.
A preliminary investigation from FHP reports that a tow truck had arrived to help a disabled vehicle early Saturday morning. That’s when the driver of a 2002 Ford 250, driven by a 42-year-old man from Margate, traveling on the outside lane plowed into the tow truck.
The 2002 Ford 250 that Florida Highway Patrol says smashed into a tow truck pushing it into two other cars and killing the tow truck driver.
The tow truck driver, who was outside of the vehicle at the time of the crash, was injured and taken to Broward General where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been released but FHP reported he was a 22-year-old from North Lauderdale.
FHP says that the driver veered off the roadway entering the paved right shoulder and collided with the tow truck pushing the truck into the disabled vehicle and the other vehicle of a relative who had come to render help.
Three lanes of the interstate are blocked as the investigation into how the crash happened continues.
According to FHP, “alcohol is believed to be a factor and investigators continue to work on the criminal investigation.”
FHP did not report any other injuries.
