Cocoa Semi Accident Injures Six And Closes I-95

A blown tire on a semi tractor-trailer caused a chain reaction on Interstate 95 that resulted in a 3-vehicle collision, six injured, and I-95 completely shut down for hours today outside of Cocoa in Brevard County.  The Florida Highway Patrol reported that an empty car carrier was traveling northbound on I-95 when one of its tires blew.  The driver of the large truck lost control of his vehicle, crossed the median, and crashed into a passenger vehicle carrying several passengers, including a three-year old child.  A pickup truck was also impacted.

Several passengers had to be removed from their vehicles by the jaws of life.  Video recorded at the accident scene demonstrated vehicles that were absolutely demolished.  Injury victims were taken by life flight and ambulance to local trauma centers.  The baby was takend to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando.

At this point we do not know why the truck's tire blew, or what exactly lead to the truck driver losing control of his vehicle.  In our experience, poor maintenance and/or lack of inspection are commonly causes of tire blowouts.  Trucking companies have more stringent requirements that automobile owners regarding keeping records of maintenance and repairs.  It will be interesting to see what we learn about this particular truck's maintenance, inspection, and repair record.