Alligator on I-95 sparks deadly chain-reaction crash in Brevard County

A 20-year-old woman was killed early Monday morning after a crash involving an alligator on I-95 in Brevard County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP said the crash happened on I-95 just south of SR-50 near mile marker 214.5, just before midnight late Sunday evening. FHP said a 58-year-old man from Canada was driving a Mercedes-Benz E-350 southbound in the center lane when he saw an alligator on the interstate. He was unable to avoid it, and the front of his car hit the alligator. A 20-year-old woman from Palm Bay was driving a Toyota Tacoma southbound behind the Mercedes. FHP said she swerved to try to avoid the Mercedes and lost control of her pickup truck. The Tacoma overturned, ejecting the woman. She landed in the center lane of I-95. According to FHP, an unknown vehicle then struck the woman. The driver of that vehicle fled the scene. FHP said the woman was not wearing a seatbelt. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Mercedes driver was not injured and remained at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact FHP at *347 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Other trending news: Tropical storm could form in Northern Gulf Monday; heavy rain headed for Texas and Louisiana 1 injured in shooting at North Fort Myers home overnight Driver dies after being shot by deputy during Hendry County traffic stop at SR-29 and Case Road DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV