CUDJOE KEY, Fla. — Body-worn camera obtained exclusively by Local 10 News shows the frantic moments after a big rig crashed into a concrete barricade on U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys.

A big flash at the moment of impact can be seen on surveillance video, followed by another.

“We just kept hearing explosions: ‘Pow, pow!’” said Shawn Burnsted, who lives nearby.

The truck caught on fire, trapping the driver inside, according to investigators. The driver died on scene.

The crash happened after 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday in a construction zone near Mile Marker 21 in Cudjoe Key.

Southbound traffic there is diverted to the left, into the center turning lane. A wall of concrete barricades is blocking the area to the right where telecommunications work is expected to be done.

People who live in the area told Local 10 News they have voiced concerns about lack of lighting and signage.

“Now, because you’re making that jog, if you miss, well, if you miss: this is what happens,” Burnsted said.

“It’s a disaster. It was never handled right. There was no lighting on it,” said resident Jimmy Mosomillo.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. According to a synopsis sent to Local 10, “due to a lane shift in the construction area, (the truck) inadvertently collided with an attenuator. The collision caused (the truck’s) tractor unit to roll onto its right side as it separated from the semi-trailer.”

“This construction zone had been the subject of sheriff’s office concerns for a long time,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I don’t think there was proper notice distance for someone to see this and make a decision.”

The traffic management plan from the Florida Department of Transportation shows notes for advance warning signs and barricades, but no lighting. The plan also calls for a 45 mph speed zone, which is already the posted speed, according to Ramsay.

Some road work signs could be seen stacked on the side of the highway and not on display.

FDOT released a statement Tuesday morning following the story’s publication:

"Safety of the traveling public is paramount to the Florida Department of Transportation. Any loss of life on our roadways is a tragedy and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased.Prior to the start of FDOT’s resurfacing project, AT&T was required to relocate their utility in preparation for the construction. During the utility relocation activities, FDOT received concerns from the Sheriff’s Office regarding AT&T’s use of temporary steel plates. Although steel plates are an acceptable practice under FDOT safety standards, FDOT strives to address concerns from our community partners. In response, FDOT collaborated with AT&T to work around-the-clock and complete the required utility work and the temporary steel plates were removed within four days of the Sheriff’s communication.Upon completion of AT&T’s utility work, FDOT began the construction of a resiliency and resurfacing project on S.R. 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway between MM 19.4 and MM 27.4 on October 4, 2023. This project is expected to take about a year and a half to complete.The section of Overseas Highway in question, like much of the surrounding area, does not have streetlights and is currently posted at 45 mph, which is consistent with safety standards and protocols FDOT implements in work zones.Once construction began, the FDOT contractor began placing a temporary concrete barrier wall to establish a safe work zone, which was completed in late October. In addition, the contractor installed advanced warning signs, reflective pavement markings, and raised pavement markers. Drums were also placed to delineate the required lane shift. Traffic control devices and markings were placed in accordance with FDOT safety standards.We work closely with our partners, however, FDOT is not currently aware of a call or recent notice of concern raised from any community partner, including the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, regarding the temporary concrete barrier wall or lighting through the work zone.As is common practice for projects of this size, the contract includes a Consultant Construction Engineering and Inspection (CCEI) requirement to support FDOT staff, monitor the contractor’s day-to-day operations, and ensure compliance with the FDOT Standards, Contract Documents and Specifications.At the time of the incident crews were not present as no work was being conducted, however, as soon as FDOT became aware of the accident, the Contractor, the CCEI Team and Consultant Project Manager went to the site to aid Monroe County Public Works as needed.”

— FDOT statement

Is Keys work zone a danger zone? Video shows fiery, fatal big rig crash

Residents, sheriff have expressed worry about lighting, signage in U.S. 1 construction zone

About The Author

Janine Stanwood