JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 61-year-old male driver was killed after his Toyota pickup truck was struck from behind by a Florida Department of Transportation Road Ranger on the Buckman Bridge on Tuesday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
RELATED: Deadly crash on Buckman Bridge, vehicle into St. Johns River
The 23-year-old man driving the FDOT road ranger was questioned by Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP tells Action News Jax that charges will be filed if determined they’re warranted.
“We want to make sure that we get all the information that we possibly can, uncover each stone that’s possible and kind of look into anything and everything that could of caused this, why did it happen and go from there,” said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Dylan Bryan.
Action News Jax asked FDOT who the road ranger was, what his history is, and what happened to him at the crash.
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This is part of the statement they provided us:
“Our hearts break whenever we learn of a fatality on the roadway. The Florida department of transportation (FDOT) continues to work with law enforcement during their investigation into the incident on the Buckman Bridge.”
FDOT said they will not discuss the crash while still under investigation
FHP Sgt. Dylan Bryan said the 23-year-old road ranger from Jacksonville does not face criminal charges right now.
“As of right now we do not feel or think that this will be a criminal investigation in any way. We don’t think there is any impairment or any negligence or any of that nature at this point, but again if charges are warranted, they will be issued at the conclusion at this point,” said Bryan.
Action News Jax looked through a 2015 FDOT safety study that shows the bridge’s design was not to blame for any deadly accidents on the Buckman Bridge.
The main cause is due to driver error, according to the report.
The study mentions two barrier alternatives. One would replace the 32-inch barrier with a higher 42-inch barrier. The other would add a 1-to-6-inch metal railing mounted on top of the existing 32-inch concrete barrier wall.
However, the study does not suggest that a higher barrier will prevent cars from falling off.
PHOTOS: FDOT Road Ranger hit car that went over side of Buckman Bridge, at least 1 dead
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Duval county fatal crash. I-295 NB on Buckman Bridge. Road Ranger versus another vehicle. Other vehicle went over side of bridge and into water after impact. Attempts to recover the vehicle are currently ongoing. We believe this crash to be a fatality. pic.twitter.com/wgtrAxhfkU
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) February 28, 2023
Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and will update you as events unfold.
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