BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — A fatal crash early Sunday morning near the intersection of Tamiami Trail (US 41) and Alico Road left one person dead and sparked concerns about road safety.
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According to the Florida Highway Patrol, just before 9 a.m., a car traveling north on US 41 veered off the road and struck a gas line. The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, with flames captured on state transportation cameras. Troopers confirmed one fatality and are investigating whether anyone else was in the vehicle. As of Sunday night, officials had not determined the cause of the crash.
Drivers like Don Gawlick, who was visiting Fort Myers, expressed their concerns about the potential risks of exposed gas lines near roadways.
"Yeah, as a driver, it's scary to think that you could be off the road a bit or down in a ditch and collide with exposed gas lines, or gas pipes, and be incinerated," said Gawlick.
The crash site burned for more than two hours, prompting nearby businesses to take precautions. Gas was temporarily shut off at a nearby gas station while crews worked to extinguish the fire and secure the area. The scene remained blocked off for hours as first responders ensured the gas line posed no further danger.
Authorities are still working to determine what led to the crash and how many people were in the car.
