Man arrested after fiery DUI crash at San Carlos Park intersection

Reporter: Taylor Wirtz Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
The aftermath of a fiery DUI crash at a San Carlos Park intersection, Monday, May 15, 2023. Credit: Florida Highway Patrol

A man was arrested early Monday morning after his SUV and a semi-truck were destroyed in a fiery DUI crash at a San Carlos Park intersection.

Martin Bourgeois, 64, was arrested after the Florida Highway Patrol says he caused the crash by driving while drunk.

According to the San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District, crews were dispatched to a crash at Alico Road and Phlox Drive just after 2 a.m. On the way, crews could see from a distance that at least one of the vehicles was on fire.

Martin Bourgeois, 64. Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Upon arrival, fire crews found flames and heavy smoke billowing from both the semi-truck and the car. The occupants of both vehicles were safely outside and refused medical treatment from Lee County Public Safety. SCPFD extinguished the fires in both vehicles and turned the scene over to the Florida Highway Patrol.

WINK News spoke to Mohammad Ibrahim, the driver of the semi-truck who was hit. He said he saw the other man unable to get out of his car, so Ibrahim decided to pull him out himself.

“I don’t care about the fire, you know…I just go and then open his diving side door and…I take him out…and I call 911,” Ibrahim said.

According to FHP, Bourgeois was traveling east in the right turn lane of Alico Road, west of Phlox Drive. A semi-truck driven by a 44-year-old Tampa man was traveling east in the outside lane of Alico Road, west of Phlox Drive.

Bourgeois made an improper lane change into the path of the semi-truck, crashing the left side of the SUV into the right side of the semi. After the crash, both vehicles burst into flames.

Bourgeois was placed under arrest and booked into the Lee County Jail when his blood alcohol level was measured at .102. He faces two different DUI charges.

No one suffered worse than minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

While the man Ibrahim saved is believed to be at fault for the crash, and that act of heroism may have cost him his truck, Ibrahim said he would do it all over again. He and his family said this should be a warning to all not to drink and drive.

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