A 38-year-old Palm Coast woman and a 2-year-old girl traveling with her died in a three-vehicle crash on I-95 Monday afternoon, a mile south of the intersection with U.S. 1.
Three other people involved suffered serious or minor, but non-life-threatening, injuries. The crash took place in the northbound lanes at 3:42 p.m, involving a a 2023 Toyota Corolla, 2013 Ford Fiesta, and a 2022 Ford Ranger.
The 38-year-old woman, the 2 year old (who was in a child restraint seat), and a 20-year-old woman who was seriously injured were aboard the Fiesta, with the 38 year old at the wheel.
According to an ongoing Florida Highway Patrol investigation, all three vehicles were traveling north in close proximity, the Fiesta in inside lane, the Corolla in the center lane and the Ranger in the center lane behind the Corolla. Just before mile marker 272, the 38-year-old woman lost control of the Fiesta. She ran off the road onto the inside shoulder. She overcorrected to the right, causing the car to spin and first collide with the Corolla. That sent the Corolla into the center median, crashing against the guard rail.
The Fiesta continued spinning toward the outside lane, crashing into the Ranger: The front of the Ranger collided with the left side of th Fiesta. The 38-year-old woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 20-year-old passenger, who was riding in the front seat, was taken to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach. The child was taken to AdventHealth Daytona Beach, where she was pronounced deceased.
The 33-year-old woman driving the Corolla, from Kissimmee, was taken to AdventHealth Daytona Beach, and the 59-year-old Palm Coast man driving the Ranger was taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast, both with minor injuries. They had no passengers. All occupants of all three vehicles, FHP noted in its crash report, were wearing seat belts.
The crash shut down northbound trafic on I-95 for several hours and backed up southbound traffic into Flagler County as investigators and rescuers worked the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of the victims.
Graham Cracker says
This is aweful. Terrible in every way. I grieve for the family’s loss.
It would seem that a fairly modern Ford Fiesta could take the brunt of side collisions like this, but clearly not. Economic transportation is important, but I will forever put as much mass between myself and my occupants as economically feasable – ie A large vehicle. Gas prices and climate change be damned. I like living today more.
Understand that a Fiesta is nothing more than a go-cart wrapped in thin sheet metal on bicycle tires. Hurling bodies 70+ mph. If you’re in that left passing lane on Florida interstates, probably more like 90 mph l’est you get run off the road. FHP has been relegated to nothing more than a respondent cleanup crew to these horrific crashes ever since the Deplorables took over the state.
Doug says
This is sad beyond what words can express. It really emphasizes the fragility of life and the fleetingness of all those little problems we spend so much time obsessing about.
Tonight I will say a prayer for this poor family and I will hug my kids a little tighter.
Me says
Very, Very sad.
atwp says
Please be careful. Slow down. This is very sad. A young girl will never reach woman hood.
Faith, Hope, and Love says
😭Praying for healing, and sending all my love to our family during this very tragic and devastating time. Forever in our hearts.❤️ Family 4 EVER🙏
The Truth says
As most were whining and complaining about being stuck in traffic and the “inconvenience” of being re-routed down US1 in various directions a family was torn apart with the tragic death of a 2 year old and seemingly either her mother or her mothers friends daughter. I know it won’t happen, but I hope everyone who reads this could take a deep breath and realize how fragile our lives are. In a moment we could lose a loved one or our own life and those left behind will never be the same. Please drive safely, respect others on the road and put your phone down when driving.
Disgusted in Flagler County says
So sad. My thoughts and prayers to all the families affected by this tragedy.
Faith, Hope and Love says
Tragically, they were a grandchild and her young grandmother that passed away………please pray for the mother of this child and daughter of this grandmother… the one who survived in this horrific crash
Richard S says
Now we blame traffic deaths on deplorables? Give me a break. How unhinged can you possibly be?
The Geode says
Let’s blame the car. No car is meant to smack and then get smacked by something at 70+ mph. Even if it was designed that way – our bodies are not. The best we can do is keep a safe distance and watch out for the countless scenarios that can happen on the road…
Robert Joseph Fortier says
Thank you.
Robert Joseph Fortier says
So Sad…never take life for granted. My heart goes out to the family.
Sandra says
Are you kidding me?