MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Two deadly wrong-way crashes just minutes apart shut down the Florida Turnpike in Miami-Dade County early Sunday morning, leaving two drivers dead and investigators searching for answers about how both vehicles ended up going the wrong direction.

6 p.m. report:

Wrong-way crashes minutes apart under investigation; 2 dead

It all happened just before 4 a.m. Sunday near the Bird Road exit.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a blue Honda was going south in the northbound lanes of the Turnpike and collided head-on with a silver Toyota.

A second crash occurred after the initial collision, in which troopers said a white Toyota, which was also traveling the wrong way on the highway, crashed into the two disabled vehicles as well as an FHP vehicle that was at the scene. No troopers were hurt.

Traveling in the right direction, relatives said, was 23-year-old Gustavo Adolfo. His family created a GoFundMe, writing that he was pure joy — a person who radiated kindness and love.

The fatal crash shut down the highway for hours, causing major traffic delays while rescue crews worked to extricate the victims trapped inside the mangled vehicles.

The driver and another passenger of the white Toyota were rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

Investigators are now working to determine how not one, but two drivers, got onto the Turnpike in the wrong direction less than 15 minutes apart.

Officials were working to confirm the names of the victims Monday, who at last check, remained in the hospital. FHP officials said this is an active investigation.

Investigation continues into wrong-way wrecks on Turnpike, leaving 2 dead

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Roy Ramos