APNewsBreak: Florida troopers erred before fatal crash


April 26, 2012 at 9:39a.m.

APNewsBreak: Florida troopers erred before fatal crash

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida Highway Patrol sergeant expressed concerns about reopening an interstate highway shortly before two massive crashes that killed 11 people.

A report obtained today by The Associated Press says the FHP erred in reopening fog- and smoke-shrouded Interstate 75 shortly before the crash in January.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement report, though, said there were no criminal violations.

At least a dozen cars and pickup trucks, six semi-trailer trucks and a motorhome collided in north Florida near Gainesville. Some vehicles burst into flames, making it difficult to identify the victims.

The highway was blanketed with smoke from a wildfire as well as fog.

The report also makes recommendations officials decide whether to change protocols for determining when to shut down and reopen highways.