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Tow truck worker dies in fall as semi truck hangs over I-95 overpass in Boca Raton

Posted at 6:21 AM, Apr 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-12 22:20:26-04

BOCA RATON, Fla. - A semi teetering off the Congress Avenue overpass at the Interstate 95 interchange in Boca Raton Wednesday morning prompted a precautionary closure of multiple lanes of I-95 southbound. 

The wreck caused major traffic backups into Boynton Beach much of the morning until all lanes of I-95 were re-opened around 10:50 a.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a tow truck worker who responded to the scene stepped over the wall onto a concrete deck. While he was working, he stepped over the edge and fell onto I-95 and died, said FHP Sgt. Mark Wysocky.

FHP would not comment on if the tow truck worker, who is employed by Emerald Towing, was following safety protocols when the fatal fall occurred.  OSHA is investigating the death. 

The semi wreck happened at about 5:30 a.m. when the tractor-trailer was exiting I-95 southbound and crossed a median, hitting the wall. Wysocky said speed is a possible factor in the wreck. 

The driver of the semi, Adrian Figueredo, 38, who is employed by Jjr Transport & Logistics of Lehigh Acres, Fla., was not hurt.  It's unclear if he will face charges.

The tractor-trailer was removed from the wall and upright around 10:20 a.m.  

This is the same area where a semi crashed on March 29, causing lane closures for hours.

A third wreck at the location involving a dangling semi occurred on Aug. 4, 2016.