Melbourne, FL — A devastating crash on I-95 just north of Pineda Causeway claimed the life of a woman and left three children injured Monday afternoon. The collision, which occurred at approximately 12:25 p.m., involved a 2003 Ford F-350 and a 2023 Honda Odyssey.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred in the southbound lanes near mile marker 188 in Brevard County. The Ford F-350 driver remained on scene and was not transported for injuries. Inside the Honda Odyssey were four occupants — a mother and three children. The adult female driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the children were transported to hospitals. At least one patient was air-lifted to Arnold Palmer in Orlando.
One person stated: “My son, daughter and her sis in law witnessed it. It happened right in front of them as then entered 95 from pineda heading to my moms house in west Melbourne. A truck ford 250 i believe hit a nail and blew a tire and swerved into the-other lane. Hit a mini van. Driver—Mom didnt make it. Was deceased on impact. From all witness accounts. 3 year old , 5 year old and 5 month old infant were all trapped inside. The engine caught fire. Everyone was smashing windows trying to get the kids our. Her Sis in law (the only one tiny enough) crawled in and got the kids out safely. They said it was a true accident and no one was at fault.”

During The Space Coast Rocket’s live coverage of the crash site, viewers witnessed a powerful moment of community courage. Approximately a dozen bystanders rushed toward the burning vehicle in a desperate attempt to rescue the occupants. They were able to pull the mother and children out just before the fire intensified. Their swift and selfless actions may have saved the lives of the three surviving passengers.