Orange City, Fla. (AP) – Two motorcyclists collided with a six-foot crocodile on Florida’s busiest highway, resulting in both riders being hospitalized with serious injuries.
The 67-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were part of a group of motorcyclists traveling on the interstate near Orange City, Florida, when the incident occurred on Saturday night, according to Alligator Taracresenzi, a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol.
The collision caused both motorcyclists to veer off the roadway, leading to one rider’s motorcycle crashing into a tree. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, Kresenzi stated.
“I’m thankful, I was protected,” remarked motorcyclist Cameron Gilmore. He shared with Orlando TV station WKMG. “I saw one of my friends swerving, and I noticed the gator about ten feet in front of me.”
Gilmore suffered road rash and a broken leg.
Orange City is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Orlando, with a highway speed limit of 60 mph (96.5 kph). Interstate 4 runs through central Florida from Tampa to Daytona Beach.
Florida wildlife officials were called in to capture the injured crocodile. A spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission did not provide any updates on the gator’s condition as of Monday.
Crocodiles inhabit all 67 counties in Florida, with a state population of around 1.3 million. Despite these numbers, injuries caused by alligators are uncommon, according to the Florida Wildlife Commission.
Source: apnews.com