A tragic accident occurred in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last week. During rush hour on the SE 3rd Avenue bridge, a Tesla Model Y and a Pontiac Vibe were crushed by a construction crane that fell just as they were crossing the downtown bridge.
The large piece of debris initially struck the hood of the Model Y before hitting and flattening the passenger side of the Pontiac. Fortunately, the occupants of both vehicles survived, but 27-year-old construction worker Jorge De La Torre lost his life.
Owner Mark Cerezin, of the Model Y, remained remarkably composed following the accident. “That’s my Tesla, it landed on me,” he announced to onlookers at the scene. “I’m completely fine. It came from above, I watched it come down and it took off the front of my car. And I’m completely fine.”
According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, “A large section of the operation fell from an elevated position, resulting in one fatality and two injured individuals transported to Broward Health.”
“During a process known as ‘stepping the crane,’ a platform holding equipment failed, leading to the items falling onto the bridge,” explained Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan in a post-incident press conference.
In a later interview with CBS News Miami, Cerezin shared more details. “I sensed something coming from above, slammed on the brakes, and then it landed on my car. If I hadn’t reacted as quickly as I did, I wouldn’t be here today.”
All survivors expressed gratitude for their lives following the tragedy. “From now on,” Cerezin stated, “I’m just thankful to return home to my wife, my family, and my friends.”
27 Photos