Fiery crash kills three

Three people were killed Monday when a semi-truck and a car collided on the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 near Port Orange.

The driver of the vehicle, Don Gibbons, 58, Orange City, and his granddaughter, Brittney Taddots, 14, were killed when Mr. Gibbons apparently lost control of his vehicle and hit the truck, police said.

The driver of the truck, Charles Thomas, 60, of Virginia, was also killed.

Traffic was backed up for most of the day as both southbound lanes were closed for two hours and one lane remained closed until the crash site could be cleared late Monday afternoon, officials said.

Port Orange firefighters responded along with three other agencies to extinguish a fire in the woods that resulted from the crash, officials said.

Firefighters were concerned about nearby power lines, but extinguished the blaze in 45 minutes without further incident, officials said.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, but police believe a tire tread may have separated from the car causing Mr. Gibbons to lose control.

Port Orange motorcyclist dies - brother injured in wreck

Aaron Cauley, 33, was killed Friday while riding a motorcycle on U.S. 1 in New Smyrna Beach. Mr. Cauley's brother, Jason Cauley, 25, was a passenger on the bike and was transported to Halifax Medical Center where he was treated and later released. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Police said neither man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Be wary of buying certain insurance

Port Orange Police warned citizens to be on the alert for an insurance company called Homeward Bound and another called Personalized Home Services.

The Attorney General's office is investigating the companies for allegedly selling insurance products to seniors, then failing to provide the services, police said.

The companies sell policies covering home assistance services such as cleaning, meal preparation and personal care.

There have been no reported cases in Port Orange yet, said Officer Dave Miller, but he wants citizens to be aware when buying these kinds of insurance products.

--Compiled by Jeanne Willard