Escaped psychiatric patient struck by flatbed truck on Florida Turnpike

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities quickly responded after reports of a pedestrian being hit by a car on the Florida Turnpike.

Authorities said a flatbed truck struck the pedestrian and the driver remained at the scene.

The truck then collided with a black SUV.

It happened Monday afternoon near the Bird Road exit of the Turnpike in Miami-Dade County.

Major traffic delays on Florida Turnpike after pedestrian struck by SUV
SUV strikes pedestrian on Florida Turnpike. (WPLG)

Neither of the two drivers were injured in the crash. The victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment and listed in stable condition.

Local 10 News obtained video of a person who appeared to be wearing a medical gown running erratically from authorities just off the Turnpike exit.

According to police, that person came from nearby Kendall Regional Medical Center where they were being treated in the psychiatric unit. The patient became violent with hospital staff while attempting to escape, police said.

Moments later, that person ran onto the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near the on-ramp from Bird Road despite efforts by hospital staff and an off-duty police officer. It was then that the pedestrian was struck by the flatbed truck.

All southbound lanes of the Turnpike were closed at the Bird Road exit as authorities conducted their investigation.

Kendall Regional Medical Center released a statement that read:

“Kendall Regional Medical Center’s priority is the safety of our patients and colleagues. We are currently working with local law enforcement regarding the incident.”


About the Author:

Roy Ramos joined the Local 10 News team in 2018. Roy is a South Florida native who grew up in Florida City. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Homestead Senior High School and graduated from St. Thomas University.