On Memorial Day, a tragic accident unfolded on Interstate 95 in Florida when a tire blowout on a semi-truck led to a fatal collision with a van carrying a mother and her three children. Olivia Maggs, a 32-year-old nurse, was driving southbound near the Pineda Causeway in Brevard County when the tire blowout caused the truck to lose control, resulting in a collision with her Honda Odyssey. Both vehicles veered off the road and struck a guardrail, leading to the immediate death of Maggs and the injury of her children, an infant girl and two toddler boys.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the incident occurred when the truck driver, who was traveling in the center lane, suddenly lost control due to the blowout. The collision was so severe that both vehicles spun off the road, resulting in a critical emergency. Maggs was pronounced dead at the scene, while her children were airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. The baby girl sustained a broken femur and a brain bleed, with the two boys also suffering injuries, though their condition is described as stable.
The driver of the truck, a 58-year-old man, and his 20-year-old passenger were not harmed and remained at the scene. The collision also sparked a dramatic video of heroic actions, as police officers helped remove the driver from the vehicle before a train reportedly crashed into it. This incident has drawn attention to the severity of traffic accidents and the need for improved road safety measures.
Maggs was remembered as a dedicated nurse at Parrish Medical Center, having worked there for nine years. Colleagues and patients expressed their condolences, highlighting her compassionate care and supportive nature. Her family and friends have set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the medical expenses of her children, which has since raised over $126,000 as of early Wednesday morning.
The tragedy has left the community in mourning, with hundreds of people expressing their grief and admiration for Maggs. Her life and career as a nurse, which included working in the Women’s Center at Parrish, are being honored by colleagues and patients who recall her kind and dedicated service. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety, especially during high-traffic holidays like Memorial Day.