Driver dead after van slams into overturned truck on I-95

An accident on Interstate 95 in Brevard County claims the life of a person early Thursday morning.

Troopers said fatal accidents are all too common on the busy interstate.

News 13 has been telling you about the widening project out here on I-95 for a few years.

Troopers said the metal guard rails you can see the men putting up are expected to reduce the numbers of accidents. Accidents like the one that happened just before 2 am Thursday morning.

Authorities said a dump truck heading northbound flipped and landed in the southbound lanes. An oncoming mini van crashed into the dump truck.

The mini van caught fire and the driver was dead on the scene. The victim was identified as Victor Pigeon 58, from Pembroke Park.

The driver of the other vehicle was identified as Eliseo Aguirre, 34, from New York. Authorities said alcohol was not a factor in the crash and that charges are pending.

Troopers said they hope new guardrails and the widening of I-95 will reduce the number of accidents on the busy interstate.

The construction work started back in 2008.

There are several projects that can be seen on I-95 from Malabar to Cocoa.

Troopers said I-95 can be very dangerous.

"95 is an unforgiving road with higher speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. It can be dangerous if your doing things you shouldn't be doing," said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Robert Leatherow.
 
Currently I-95 is undergoing a widening project and guard rail installation.

Officials said the metal guardrails prevent cross over accidents and prevent cars that head off the road from crashing into things like bridges or overpasses.

And there are plans to expand in the north section of the county.

Troopers said the barriers will help reduce the number of deadly accidents. 

Officials said the project should be finished by March 2011.