Two killed after Tesla hit from behind on Florida’s Turnpike in Martin County

Two people from Plantation were killed Monday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Martin County, marking the county’s fifth traffic fatality in four days as deputies prepared for a surge in holiday travel. The crash happened at about 3:13 p.m. on June 29 near mile marker 133, just south of Southwest Martin Highway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP said a 2026 Tesla Model S was traveling south in the inside lane when the front of a 2023 International truck-tractor, which was operating without a trailer, collided with the rear of the Tesla. The impact redirected the Tesla into the northbound lanes, where it was struck on the right side by a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia truck-tractor pulling a 53-foot enclosed semi-trailer, according to the report. A 2024 Ram 3500 pickup truck pulling a car hauler trailer also struck debris in the northbound lanes. The driver of the Tesla, a 48-year-old man from Plantation, and a rear-seat passenger, an 18-year-old woman from Plantation, were pronounced dead at the scene at 3:35 p.m., FHP said. Their next of kin has been notified. A 47-year-old woman from Plantation who was also riding in the Tesla was taken to the hospital, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. FHP did not provide an update on her condition. The other drivers involved were identified as a 42-year-old man from Gainesville, a 55-year-old man from Orlando and a 47-year-old man from Coconut Grove. The crash shut down lanes in both directions for hours while FHP and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office investigated. The deadly wreck came during what local officials described as a troubling stretch on Martin County roads. The sheriff’s office said the Turnpike crash was the fifth traffic fatality in four days, prompting deputies to increase patrols ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Captain Joseph Collazo with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were “constantly evaluating everything and shifting resources” to address dangerous driving patterns. He said enforcement would be increased on major corridors, including U.S. 1 and Kanner Highway, as holiday traffic builds. “We just ask everyone to slow down and be patient,” Collazo said. “We’re all trying to get to somewhere, and it’s not worth losing our lives over.” The Traffic Homicide Investigation remains ongoing.