One injured in morning drive-time collision

One driver was injured in a two-vehicle collision that occurred about 8:00 a.m. this morning in the northbound lanes of I-95 at Old Kings Road near the St Johns County and Flagler County lines.

A late model white GMC Yukon SUV, towing an extruded metal trailer with no license tag, and carrying a load of lumber with no warning flag, was traveling north into St Johns County when, for yet unknown reasons, the vehicle and trailer slowed.

The driver of a silver Nissan Altima SL, following behind the SUV, traveling at a higher rate of speed, crashed into the right-rear corner of the trailer — demolishing the front-end of the Altima and sending debris across three lanes of morning-drive traffic.

The driver of the GMC appeared uninjured at the scene — he was talking on his cell phone as police arrived to investigate.

The driver of the Altima was not moved from his vehicle until emergency medical personnel arrived. The airbag had deployed, the windshield shattered, blood was apparent on the driver. He was alert and talking when help reached the scene.

Steam and smoke poured from the engine compartment of the Altima; however, a firefighter who was passing by, stopped to render aid and poured water on the engine which temporarily controlled the smoke.

Photo credits: © 2012 Historic City News staff photographer