Fatal chain-reaction crash involving 8 vehicles shuts down part of I-95 in Miami, officials say

A fatal crash involving eight vehicles in Miami left one person dead, several others injured and shut down Interstate 95 Thursday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, marking another major incident along the East Coast highway in less than a week.

The crash took place just before 2:10 a.m. near the Northwest 62nd Street exit, troopers said.

As of mid Thursday morning, it was not immediately known whether anyone else was injured in the chain-reaction crash.

Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alex Camacho told USA TODAY an initial crash caused a series of minor crashes involving five other vehicles.

Camacho said the driver of a black Tesla heading south on I-95 lost control and crashed into a concrete barrier wall. The Tesla, which was disabled, was then hit by a black Dodge sedan, which caused the Tesla driver to be ejected from his vehicle, landing on the roadway, Camacho said.

The driver of an oncoming white Nissan tried to slow down to avoid running over the victim and was struck by a Chevrolet SUV.

But the Nissan was pushed forward and ran over the victim, Camacho said.

The identity of the person killed was not released.

"A few other minor injuries" were reported, Camacho said.

Drivers make their way in the rain along Interstate 95, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in Miami.
Drivers make their way in the rain along Interstate 95, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in Miami.

I-95 fatal crash in Pennsylvania Woman killed on I-95 in Philadelphia after being hit by 'large piece of debris', police say

Motorist being asked to seek alternative route

Motorist were being asked to seek an alternative route.

Latest in series of I-95 deaths

The crash comes on the heels of two other major incidents reported along I-95 in Pennsylvania, including a fiery weekend highway collapse.

An elevated section of I-95 near Philadelphia collapsed Sunday after a tanker truck caught fire beneath it.

Latest on I-95 crash in Philadelphia: Fiery I-95 collapse puts renewed focus on critical role of interstates in American life

Pennsylvania officials said there was no timeline yet for reopening seven miles of I-95 closed by the fire – but repairs are anticipated to take months.

And on Monday afternoon, troopers said, a woman was killed when the car she was driving got hit by a "large piece of metal debris" on I-95.

Both highway incidents remained under investigation on Thursday.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami I-95 crash: 1 dead after 8-vehicle collision