Scooter driver critical, passenger dead, after crashing on Florida Turnpike: FHP

Miami Herald

2 days ago

A passenger on a scooter driving on Florida's Turnpike in Broward County Saturday died after becoming lodged underneath a van the small vehicle collided with Saturday afternoon, and the driver remains in critical condition, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened shortly before 3 p.m. in the southbound lanes at mile marker 55, according to the FHP.
The driver of the Yongfu scooter, whom troopers say is a 21-year-old man from Miami, was in the center lane and changed lanes into the path of a 2017 Ford Transit van driven by a 27-year-old man from Davie, FHP Lt. Indiana Miranda said.
The front of the van hit the rear of the scooter, and both the scooter driver and passenger — as well as the scooter — were trapped beneath the moving vehicle, Miranda said. The van driver, who has not been named, pulled to the inside lane, where the passenger became dislodged, according to the FHP.
The van driver pulled over to the shoulder with the scooter and driver still stuck underneath, Miranda said.
Paramedics took the scooter driver, who has not been named, to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he remained in critical condition Wednesday, Miranda said. His passenger, who has also not been identified, died on the scene, according to the FHP.
The van driver was not injured, Miranda said.
Troopers are still investigating the crash. Driving a scooter with an engine smaller than 50 cubic centimeters is illegal. The size of the Yongfu involved in the crash was not immediately known.