1 dead, 1 rescued in box truck accident on SR 84 overpass

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Two people were left dangling in danger after the truck they were riding in nearly went over the edge of the State Road 84 overpass.

The accident happened at about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday on S.R. 84 over the northbound lanes of Interstate 95. Investigators said the driver of a Tracy Bakery truck lost control of the vehicle, jumped the overpass, nearly toppled over the cement wall and on to I-95.

Crews arrived on scene and were able to rescue the driver immediately using a ladder truck. Paramedics transported him as a trauma alert to Broward Health. The box truck dangled over the side of the overpass, with the unresponsive passenger still inside, until tow crews arrived and harnessed the truck. Crews were able to lift the truck back on to S.R. 84. but the passenger didn't make it out alive.

The driver was released from Broward Health around 8:30 a.m., approximately two hours after arriving at the hospital. According to a hospital official, he only had minor injuries, just a small laceration to his knee, and he was able to walk out just fine.

The driver, 43-year-old Buenaventura Fernandez, is a member of the family who owns the delivery business. Tracy Bakery Manager Mary Rodriguez said, "It was horrible. It was a terrible moment for the family. We still don't know what happened, so right know we just have to deal with the sadness of who was in that truck and deal with the recuperation of our family member." Rodriguez adds, "We spoke with him on the phone. He is alert, he is awake, very shaken up, very upset. So, our concern right now is trying to get to him as quickly as possible."

According to the manager at the Palmetto Bay Distribution Center, the driver had a delivery to make in Tampa by 10 am Wednesday. She is not sure why he took that route to Tampa when he was coming from Palmetto Bay. She also says she has no idea who the passenger in the truck was, since drivers are not supposed to have passengers.

Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the crash.

It is also known that a firefighter that was on the scene trying to help the driver, fell and had a hand injury. He was taken to Broward Health but it is still unknown if he is at the hospital or has been released.

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