KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA — A deadly chain-reaction crash involving three tractor-trailers shut down the southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike for nearly 12 hours early Wednesday morning, leaving one truck driver dead and another seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred shortly after 3 a.m. near mile marker 248, south of Osceola Parkway, where three semi-trucks were traveling southbound in the outside lane. Investigators say two of the trucks — a 2013 Volvo semi driven by a 38-year-old man and a 2025 Freightliner semi with a double trailer driven by a 55-year-old man — began slowing for traffic. Behind them, a 2018 semi tractor with a double trailer failed to observe the slowdown and slammed into the rear of the Volvo, triggering a violent chain reaction. The impact pushed the Volvo into the back of the Freightliner.

According to Florida Today, the 2018 semi burst into flames after the collision and became fully engulfed. The driver of that semi — whose identity has not yet been confirmed — was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Volvo was transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, while the Freightliner driver was not hurt and remained at the location to speak with investigators.

The severity of the crash forced troopers to close all southbound lanes from the time of the collision until about 2 p.m., directing all motorists off the Turnpike at Exit 249. At 2:20 p.m., FHP announced that the inside southbound lane had reopened, while the remaining lane would stay closed for extensive roadway repairs due to damage caused by the burning semi and debris.

Troopers say the crash remains under investigation as they work to formally identify the deceased driver and reconstruct the events leading to the impact.

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