Man killed in fiery North Fort Myers crash

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. – A 78-year-old man was killed in a crash on North Tamiami Trail (US-41 Business) near Littleton Road in North Fort Myers early Tuesday morning.

The deadly crash happened at 4:38 a.m., according to Florida Highway Patrol. US-41 Business was shutdown following the crash.

The man, driving a pickup truck, was heading north on US-41 Business, driving behind a 26-year-old Cape Coral man in a sedan. Troopers said the Cape Coral man didn’t slow down for slower traffic and slammed into the back of the 78-year-old man’s pickup truck. The truck spun out and became engulfed in flames.

The 78-year-old man, from North Fort Myers, was pronounced dead on scene.

Northbound lanes of US-41 Business remain shut down Tuesday morning while one southbound lane has reopened. Traffic is currently being diverted left toward Littleton Road.

Troopers said the crash is still under investigation.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the North Fort Myers Fire Department were seen responding to the scene.

Crime scene tape was also spotted blocking off the area.