UPDATE 4/11/2022: The Lee County Sheriff's Office confirms one person who sustained injuries from the crash has died. LCSO could not confirm the identity of the deceased per Marsy's Law.
UPDATE 4/05/2022: According to the Florida Traffic crash report, a Jeep, and Chevrolet were said by witnesses to be driving recklessly as they were traveling eastbound on the Sanibel Causeway.
The Chevrolet was reportedly passing the Jeep on the shoulder and the left rear tire then clipped the right front corner panel of the Jeep. The driver of the Chevrolet then lost control of his vehicle and it crossed over the center-divided lane marker and struck another vehicle, a 2016 Dodge at an angle head-on.
The Chevrolet then reportedly came to rest on its roof.
The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as 24-year-old Matthew Collett.
The people in the Chevrolet and Dodge were sent to Gulf Coast Hospital. The hospital said the driver, Collett, has been sedated and that his medical drug screen came back positive for Benzopienes and some alcohol consumption.
The other occupants involved have not been identified but some injuries sustained are said to be most likely fatal, according to the report.
Based on the evidence so far, the Chevrolet is said to be at fault according to the report.
UPDATE 3/28/2022: Lee County Sheriff's Office says three vehicles were involved in the crash and four people had to be taken by ambulance to the ER for trauma.
The Sanibel Causeway was closed to traffic in both directions for hours and multiple crews were on scene including Sanibel Fire Rescue.
Samantha Quinn with Sanibel Fire & Rescue said, "We respond as quickly as we can to the scene because it is season right now. Sometimes traffic is a bit heavy here although our deputy chief was able to arrive on scene in less than 4 minutes."
Iona-McGregor Fire District was also on scene Saturday and told us the driver of the minivan was extricated from the minivan using extrication tools.
The Battalion Chief with Iona-McGregor who was on the scene gives credit to the bystanders for providing assistance prior to the first responder's arrival...
Sanibel Fire Rescue adds it's not every day that this causeway is closed to traffic.
A rare situation where people could not get back and forth to Sanibel Island or Fort Myers because of the closure to traffic in both directions.
LCSO says since March 1, 2022 deputies have proactively patrolled the area of the Sanibel Causeway 71 times. This includes area checks and proactive traffic control.
LCSO adds that closing a bridge in both directions can be challenging for motorists looking to enter or exit the island. Motorists are asked to slow down, avoid tailgating, and avoid distractions while driving.
Sanibel Fire Rescue adds to slow down... "We always recommend that individuals that are on the road always follow the speed limits so especially now on Sanibel Island it is high season there's a lot of vehicles on the road, a lot of tourists a lot of snowbirds so it is high traffic areas so we want to encourage everyone to be safe."
As of this time, we don't have an update on the condition of those who were transported on Saturday.
A comment from the Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith on the accident and causeway says "My continued prayers for all involved."
UPDATE 10:40 PM 3/26 - LCSO confirms all lanes are reopened on the Sanibel Causeway. No further updates have been given.
LEE COUNTY, Fla - The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is currently on the scene of a crash on the Sanibel Causeway.
LCSO says all traffic on the causeway in both directions is shut down for an undetermined amount of time.
