Crash on I-95 leaves two vehicles in water-filled ditch

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. January 21, 2013

Palm Coast Observer
News

UPDATED Jan. 22, in bold:

A Palm Coast driver side-swiped a bobcat tractor on Interstate 95 Sunday evening, causing both vehicles to drive onto the shoulder, through a screen fence and into a water-filled ditch, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The report states that Robert Lewis, 35, of Palm Ctoast, was driving a Lincoln Continental north on I-95. Eric Whyne, 45, of Miramar, was driving a Freighliner. Lewis said that he was taking evasive action to avoid “a non-contact phantom vehicle that was approaching him from behind at what he perceived to be a very high rate of speed,” according to the report.

Lewis was not under the influence of alcohol. The report originally showed alcohol was involved with Whyne, but the FHP later stated there was no alcohol involved. Both men were wearing seatbelts.

No charges are being filed. Whyne sustained minor injuries, and his vehicle sustained $40,000 in damages. Lewis’ Lincoln had $5,000 in damage, but he was not injured.