http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/sfl-dwreck04oct04,0,6582527.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
3rd car may have caused
fiery crash that killed 2,
shut Keys bridge
sun-sentinel.com staff and wires & NBC 6
October 4, 2005, 3:07 PM EDT
BULLETIN: MARATHON -- Florida Highway Patrol
officials say a black compact car may have caused the
fatal crash between a gasoline tanker and an SUV on the
Seven Mile Bridge.
The bridge leading to the Lower Keys reopened Tuesday
around 9:30 a.m., nearly 16 hours after a fiery and fatal
crash closed the only road connecting Key West and the
rest of the state.
Workers removed the wreckage of the gas tanker and a
SUV, which had collided about 5 p.m. Monday, killing
both drivers.
The FHP said Tuesday they believe another car may have caused the
crash.
"This compact black vehicle in passing of the traffic, it didn't take into
consideration the closing speed of the tractor-trailer," FHP Officer Pat
Santangelo said. "The tractor-trailer driver tried to take evasive action
to the right to avoid striking the black car, and that's what caused the
crash."
Officials said the black car was traveling north on the bridge. Anyone
who witnessed the crash and may have information about the car
should call the Florida Highway Patrol or Miami-Dade CrimeStoppers
at 305-471-TIPS.
Meanwhile, Marathon Fire Chief Hans Wagner said state inspectors
were satisfied the bridge did not sustain serious damage, but crews
would remain at the bridge Tuesday to monitor the structure.
Inspectors said that fresh water and fiber optic lines attached to the
bridge that go to Key West escaped damage.
The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph on the bridge and there
is a lane shift at the accident site, according to the Monroe county
Sheriff's Office. There is no reduction in the weight limit allowed to
pass over the bridge.
Copyright © 2005, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Thanks for the update granny....I forgot all about the fiber optic lines and such that run along that bridge...that would be a double whammy if they were damaged.
Thanks granny for that update.