Fatal crash on S.R. 429 remains under investigation

The Florida Highway Patrol are on the scene of a fatal crash that took place around 12:25 a.m. Thursday, March 9, in West Orange County. 

The crash occurred on the southbound State Road 429 exit ramp to mile marker 26, according to FHP public affairs officer Lt. Tara Crescenzi.

According to the official FHP report, a single vehicle, a 2019 Kenworth T3 Series construction vehicle, was in the active construction zone where the exit ramp was closed to traffic for a planed construction project. 

A 22-year-old male construction worker, who was not named, was walking in the north direction within the center lane of the roadway in the active construction work zone. 

The report goes on to state that the construction vehicle, driven by a 62-year-old male who was not named, began backing in the north direction on the exit ramp in an attempt to release materials onto the roadway for the construction project. 

According to FHP, the driver of the vehicle said he did not see the construction worker walking in the roadway, and the rear of the vehicle struck the young worker. 

Although the driver remained on the scene and was not injured, the construction worker was transported to AdventHealth Apopka before being pronounced deceased.

The crash is under investigation, and more information will be shared as it is released.