Saturday, January 22, 2011
A tanker crash in Brevard County, Florida on the Beachline Expressway — also know as State Road 528 — killed two people and caused officials to close sections the expressway. Firefighters and Police personnel are currently on the scene and residents were evacuated due to toxic smoke.
The tanker collided with a pickup truck on an overpass at approximately 3:40 pm EST (2040 UTC) and subsequently burst into flames. Officials are reporting that both the driver of the tanker and truck were killed. Reports also suggest that there is significant damage to the overpass.
Florida Highway Patrol Sargent Kim Montes commented that the expressway could be closed for a while. Florida Department of Transportation officials are currently on the scene assessing the damage and motorists are being advised to take alternate routes. The school district is advising that school bus service may be delayed for certain schools.