2 Dead In Multi-Vehicle Crash On Turnpike

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Two people were killed in an early morning multi-vehicle accident on the Florida Turnpike Extension in southwest Miami-Dade.

The accident happened just before 4 a.m. in the northbound lanes at the SW 216th Street exit ramp. It involved three vehicles, including a prisoner transport van.

"This accident was caused by a wrong way driver," said the Florida Highway Patrol's Joe Sanchez.

A driver in a Toyota Scion was heading south in the north bound lanes. A Homestead police van, which was transporting three prisoners, swerved to avoid it but ended up being sideswiped.

A Volkswagen Jetta behind the van then hit the Scion head on.

The driver of the Scion died in the impact. The driver of the Jetta was rushed to Jackson South Hospital but died a short time later.

"This is a horrible accident where two people lost their lives and a lot of family members are gonna be grieving," he said Sanchez.

A prisoner was also hurt and taken to the hospital - no word on their condition.

All northbound lanes were closed to traffic during the investigation. They re-opened just before 10:30 a.m.

The FHP is now reviewing all available toll cameras to determine where the driver of the Scion got on the Turnpike.