Related videos:
An unusual traffic accident occurred on Saturday on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Volusia County, Florida, when two motorcyclists collided with an alligator nearly two meters long. The incident left both riders hospitalized with minor injuries and a memorable story, so much so that they now have nicknames: Gator Gilmore and Gator Ninja.
The accident occurred around 6:00 p.m., when Cameron Gilmore, 67 years old, and Brandi Gross, 25, were traveling in the inner lane of the highway heading west, near mile marker 110.
Both were part of a large group of motorcyclists when Gilmore spotted what he thought was a detached tire. But no: it was a huge alligator crossing the road.
“I said, ‘Help me, Jesus’”, Gilmore recounted to FOX 35 News, recalling the moment when his motorcycle struck the reptile and he was thrown off, sliding on the pavement until he landed on the grass at the side of the road. He ended up with a fracture in his foot and several toes.
Behind him, Gross was riding his Ninja 650 sport bike and couldn't avoid him. The impact also sent him crashing to the asphalt. He suffered a concussion and a wrist fracture.
“I thought: ‘Wow!’, and then, the impact happened”, Gross recounted. “By the time I realized what it was, it was already too late”.
The condition of the alligator has not yet been confirmed, but witnesses saw it by the side of the road while paramedics attended to the scene. Agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived to assist the injured animal.
Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, both motorcyclists maintain their sense of humor. “They call me Gator Gilmore instead of Floridaman,” Cameron said with a laugh.
Brandi, for her part, stated that her family nicknamed her Gator Ninja, in honor of her motorcycle.
The scare also made her reconsider her sports preferences: “I used to be a fan of the Gators, but after this... I told my mom that I might switch sides to the Noles (her favorite college football team)”.
The accident is still under investigation, but it has sparked a viral story that blends the risks of wildlife on Florida roads with a touch of humor, resilience, and new nicknames to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Motorcycle Accident with an Alligator in Florida
How did the motorcycle accident with the alligator occur in Florida?
The accident occurred when two motorcyclists collided with an alligator nearly two meters long on Interstate 4, in Volusia County, Florida. Both drivers sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized.
What injuries did the motorcyclists sustain in the collision with the alligator?
Cameron Gilmore suffered a fracture in his foot and in several toes, while Brandi Gross experienced a concussion and a wrist fracture. Both motorcyclists survived with minor injuries and are keeping a sense of humor about the incident.
What is the condition of the alligator after the accident on the highway?
The status of the alligator was not confirmed immediately, but witnesses saw it at the side of the road while paramedics were attending to the motorcyclists. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came to assist the animal.
Is it common to find alligators on Florida roads?
The presence of alligators in urban areas and roads in Florida is common debido a la abundante población de estos reptiles en el estado, que supera el millón. Durante la temporada de apareamiento y anidación, los caimanes se vuelven más activos, lo que aumenta las posibilidades de encontrarlos en lugares inusuales.
Filed under: