A pedestrian was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer on eastbound Interstate 4 near Lakeland Hills Boulevard early Monday morning, causing an hours-long traffic backup that extended to Socrum Loop Road during rush hour.
The Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release that the accident happened at milepost 38 shortly after 3 a.m.
The FHP said a 37-year-old Auburndale man was on the outside shoulder of the interstate and attempted to cross. When he reached the center lane, he was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by a 39-year-old Palm River man. He was declared dead at the scene.
The FHP does not release names, and no other information was provided.
As of 7:30 a.m., traffic on eastbound I-4 was snarled, and traffic was significantly slowed on a primary alternate route — Lakeland Hills. By 9:30, both roadways were clear.