A tragic road accident on the Florida Turnpike claimed the lives of three people on the afternoon of August 12, after a semi-truck, reportedly driven by two young Indian-origin men, attempted an illegal U-turn. The incident occurred near mile marker 171 in Fort Pierce and led to hours-long traffic disruption, while authorities launched a homicide investigation into the matter.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the semi-truck was travelling northbound in the right lane when it entered an “official use only” turn-around area and tried to make a U-turn.
During the manoeuvre, the truck crossed into the path of a Chrysler Town & Country minivan that was travelling in the left lane. The minivan got wedged under the trailer of the truck, and the collision could not be avoided by the driver of the smaller vehicle. A video of the fatal accident has gone viral on the Internet.
Two Punjabi drivers make an illegal turn in Florida, which k!lled 3 people. This is what happens when you learn to drive on Indian roads and become a driver in the US. pic.twitter.com/lP0BUCyzFA
— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) August 16, 2025
The crash proved fatal for three individuals travelling in the minivan. A 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami were declared dead at the scene. The 30-year-old driver of the Chrysler, a resident of Florida City, was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital but succumbed to his injuries later.
Tire marks found at the scene and witness accounts confirmed that the incident took place during daylight hours. The area where the U-turn was attempted is legally restricted for use by emergency vehicles only, as per experienced truck drivers and investigators at the site.
The semi-truck was reportedly being operated by two men in their 20s, both from California, and both of Indian origin. Neither of them sustained injuries in the crash. Their identities have not yet been made public by the authorities.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the case to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal wreck. No charges have been filed as of now.
