Mandarin intersection closes several hours after fatal crash

Driver ejected when vehicle hit pole at San Jose, Old St. Augustine Road

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man died after his vehicle crashed into a pole at a Mandarin intersection early Sunday morning and forced officials to shutdown traffic in the area for several hours, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Traffic homicide detectives said the driver was ejected from his vehicle about 3:10 a.m. on San Jose Boulevard at Old St. Augustine Road. He died at the scene. 

At 8:20 a.m., police announced the lanes would remain closed while crews to repair damage caused by the crash. Northbound lanes of San Jose reopened at about 2:15 p.m. but Old. St. Augustine remained closed. 

Northbound traffic was turned back south to I-295 to take I-95 during its closure. Drivers trying to reach Old St. Augustine Road south of San Jose are being detoured onto Kori Road.

The owner of Mandarin Sea Life and Chrome it Cycles, Janet Davis, told News4Jax the crash isn’t the first time someone died right outside her business. She said people speed though the area all the time – sometimes cutting directly through her property. 

“It’s an ongoing problem with this intersection,” Davis said. “It is frustrating and it’s unfortunate because I think some of it can be avoided.”

Franky Brown, who works across the street at Bubbles Car Wash, said he pays extra-close attention riding his bike to work because the road has proven to be dangerous in the past.

“It is kind of a little deadly to be honest with you,” Brown said. “I pay attention for the drivers and myself because most people don’t pay attention. They be on those phones.”

Davis and Brown are asking drivers to slow down and keep their eyes on the road -- small reminders that could prevent big tragedies.