Stuart - Tuesday October 18, 2022: Four people are dead following a fatal crash in Stuart Tuesday afternoon. Three died at the scene, the fourth was in very critical condition and later died at a local hospital.
The crash occurred shortly after 12:30 pm Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of northwest Baker Road and US-1, north of the Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart. There was heavy damage and debris strewn across the roadway in both directions.
Martin County Fire Rescue District Chief Tom Hornbostel said two vehicles were involved, a minivan and a Tesla SUV. Chief Hornbostel could not say whether the Tesla caught fire or was just smoking.
Florida Highway Patrol however reports that the Tesla caught fire and Martin County firefighters were seen dousing the smoking remains with water. Concerns have been raised about the batteries in electric vehicles causing fires.
“Both the north and southbound lanes of U.S. 1 shut down from Wright Blvd all the way to Windermere Drive," said Chief Hornbostel, "which is probably close to a mile of U.S. 1 shut down.” It took hours to clear before the road re-opened.
Florida Highway Patrol, Martin County Sheriff Deputies, Martin County Fire and Rescue and Stuart police all responded to the scene. Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the cause.
