A passenger in a Jeep SUV was burned to death and three other people injured, one in critical condition, in a collision involving four vehicles, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
The wreck happened just before 6.00 p.m. Wednesday on I-4 near Lake Mary Boulevard, troopers said.
The incident began when a 2002 Mercedes SUV, driven by 31-year-old Chemwapuwa Jackson of Altamonte Springs struck the rear of the Jeep SUV being driven by 29-year-old Rafael Jaimes. Within a few minutes, that set off a chain reaction and the Jeep SUV then struck the rear of a 2012 Chevy SVU, driven by Brian Redman, 27, of Ireland. Redman’s vehicle then pushed into the back of a 2004 Nissan Maxima driven by Valerie Dominique, 30, of Ocoee.
The Jeep SUV and the Mercedes SUV which caused the accident, caught on fire, said troopers.
Jackson was able to escape from her vehicle, and Jaimes was helped out. But, an unknown passenger in the Jeep SUV burned to death beyond recognition.
Jaimes, who sustained critical injuries, was taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Jackson and Dominique suffered minor injuries and were taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital. Redman was not injured.
Troopers are still trying to determine the identity of the passenger in the Jeep SUV, who burned to death.
The crash backed up traffic for hours on I-4 while cleanup and investigation were conducted.
The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.
