Septic tank truck driver killed in fiery rollover crash on Turnpike; highway closed near Bird Road in SW MiamiDade
Jul 16, 2026
A driver was killed in a fiery rollover crash along the Florida Turnpike in Southwest Miami-Dade, leading troopers to shut down the highway in both directions.
7Skyfore hovered above the overturned truck along the southbound lanes near Bird Road, just after 10:50 a.m. on Thursday.
According to
the Florida Highway Patrol, the tanker truck was traveling south when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and collide into the center median concrete barrier wall. The impact caused the truck to catch fire.
Cellpjone video captured the truck fully engulfed in flames as dark smoke billowed into the sky.
7News has learned there were two people inside the truck. The driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was reportedly able to climb out and escape with minor injuries.
Crews with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue were able to put out the flames.
The hazmat team was called to the scene to clean up materials that leaked onto the roadway.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers have shut down all northbound and southbound lanes of the Turnpike between Southwest Eighth Street and Bird Road. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Southwest 47th Avenue, and southbound lanes are being diverted at the Bird Road exit.
Officials urge drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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