Driver dies after crashing into Florida fireworks store
An out-of-control sport utility vehicle plunged through the front-wall glass of Phantom Fireworks on Monday afternoon, igniting a dangerous, fast-spreading blaze and shutting down U.S. 192 during afternoon rush hour in West Melbourne, Florida Today reported.
"When I got here, the fireworks were still coming. They were extending many, many feet out," Brevard County Fire Rescue Chief Patrick Voltaire said, briefing media near the smoldering remains of the ruined building after the flames died down.
Voltaire likened the exploding fireworks spraying from the burning building to projectiles fired from a gun: "They were shooting from all different angles," he said.
An unidentified person inside the SUV was killed, West Melbourne Police Lt. Graig Erenstoft said. Florida Highway Patrol troopers will probe the deadly crash, he said.
"This is an ongoing investigation. Unfortunately, we do have one confirmed deceased individual who was inside the vehicle," Erenstoft said.
FHP did not release the deceased driver's identity. Based on preliminary evidence, troopers said Monday night that the fatal fiery crash involved two vehicles: the victim's SUV — of undetermined make and model — and a 2006 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 39-year-old West Melbourne woman.
Troopers said the victim's SUV struck the Tacoma at the intersection, sending both vehicles into the Phantom Fireworks parking lot. The unidentified SUV continued driving through the parking lot and collided with the building, igniting fireworks — and engulfing the vehicle in flames.
The unidentified driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 39-year-old woman was not injured.