Three people died in a fiery crash on I-95 near Palm Bay Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 9:49 a.m. near mile marker 172, south of State Road 514/Malabar Road. Officials have not released the victims’ names but identified them as a 47-year-old male driver from Christmas, an 18-year-old male passenger from Ocoee, and a 33-year-old female passenger from Orlando. The vehicle involved was a 2025 Hyundai Elantra traveling north in the center lane when it left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught fire, according to a witness.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. No other vehicles were involved, and the driver of the Hyundai Elantra was not wearing a seatbelt, according to preliminary reports. Emergency responders arrived quickly but could not save the three occupants, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash site is near the intersection of State Road 514 and Malabar Road, a busy corridor in South Brevard. Traffic was backed up for several miles after the incident, with crews working to clear the wreckage and secure the area.
Neighbors near the crash site said the Hyundai Elantra was traveling at high speed before veering off the road. One resident, who asked not to be named, said they heard the crash and saw flames rising from the tree line.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not yet determined what caused the driver to leave the roadway. Investigators are reviewing traffic camera footage and speaking with witnesses. A formal report is expected in the coming days.