Three people were taken to the hospital after an ambulance overturned on Interstate 95 near Melbourne around 5 p.m. Monday. State troopers said an American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance lost traction on the southbound lane and swerved onto the right shoulder. The driver tried to correct the course but lost control, causing the vehicle to flip onto its left side. The driver and two passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
The crash occurred near the intersection of I-95 and State Road 520, a busy stretch of highway just south of Melbourne. Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Sarah Mitchell said the ambulance was traveling at an estimated speed of 55 mph when the incident happened. No other vehicles were involved in the collision, and traffic was briefly backed up for about 30 minutes before crews cleared the scene.
Global Medical Response, the parent company of AMR, released a statement confirming the accident and emphasizing its commitment to safety. "We are aware of the accident involving one of our ambulances and are actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding it," the company said. "We can confirm there were no serious injuries. Safety is a core value of our organization, and every vehicle accident is thoroughly investigated in accordance with our established safety processes."
Troopers said the investigation is ongoing, and they are examining whether mechanical failure, driver error, or road conditions contributed to the crash. The ambulance was taken to a local impound lot for inspection. AMR has not yet commented further, but the company’s regional manager for Brevard County, Mark Thompson, said in a prior interview that all AMR vehicles undergo monthly safety checks. "We take every incident seriously," Thompson said. "Our drivers are trained to handle emergencies, but accidents can still happen."
The Florida Highway Patrol is urging drivers to avoid distractions and maintain safe speeds, especially in areas with frequent construction or changing road conditions. The crash has renewed calls for improved safety measures on I-95, which sees over 100,000 vehicles pass through the Melbourne area daily.