Cabbie Killed In Fiery Crash On I-95
MIAMI (CBS4) - A South Florida cab driver was killed when his taxi burst in flame after being rear-ended on I-95.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the cabbie had stopped in a left middle lane around 2:15 a.m. with a flat tire just north of the 79th Street exit. Investigators said 24-year old Domonique Lindo was not able to stop in time and slammed into the taxi from behind with her Volkswagen Passat.
On impact the car bust into flames, killing the taxi driver. The FHP said the man's body was badly beyond recognition and they are currently waiting on dental records to confirm his identity.
A trooper on the scene of the crash told CBS4 the taxi was a Ford Crown Victoria which has a history of exploding fuel tanks when the vehicle is struck from the rear. Ford Motor Co. has said it has addressed the problem in recent models.
According to the National Highway Traffic & safety Administration between 1999 and 2008 there have been at 35 deaths nationwide involving fires in these particular models. According to the Center for Auto Safety, from 1995 to 2010 there have been 28 fatalities involving 40 Crown Victoria police cruisers which have caught fire.
In May, 2009 FHP Trooper Patrick Ambroise was killed when his Crown Victoria patrol car was struck from behind while it was parked on the shoulder of the Florida Turnpike.
In 1997, FHP Trooper Robert Smith died after his cruiser, which was parked on the shoulder of I-95 in Miami, burst into flames after it was struck from behind July 26th.
Smith's death, in part, prompted state lawmakers to pass the "Move Over" law which requires motorists to move over one lane when a law enforcement or emergency vehicle is on the shoulder of a major highway.
