Driver Accused of Striking Firefighter Near Palmetto Expressway Crash Scene

Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, September 22, 2026 —

A man identified as Younes Bekkali has been arrested and accused of striking an on-duty Miami-Dade firefighter with his vehicle. The incident reportedly occurred as Bekkali allegedly attempted to drive around a crash scene on the Palmetto Expressway.

According to initial reports, the firefighter was on duty and engaged in duties related to the crash when the alleged vehicular encounter took place. Bekkali is accused of using his car to bypass the established scene, leading to the confrontation with the emergency responder.

Details regarding the specific circumstances leading up to Bekkali’s alleged actions, the exact location on the Palmetto Expressway, and the precise time of the incident were not immediately available. The Miami-Dade Police Department is conducting the investigation into the matter.

The condition of the firefighter involved was not disclosed in the provided summary. Similarly, information regarding any charges filed against Younes Bekkali beyond the accusation of striking the firefighter and attempting to bypass the scene was not detailed.

The Palmetto Expressway is a major artery in Miami-Dade County, and incidents involving traffic obstructions, particularly those involving emergency response to other crashes, can lead to significant disruptions. The actions of drivers attempting to circumvent such scenes are often scrutinized due to potential risks to both the public and first responders.

Further information from the ongoing investigation is expected to clarify the sequence of events and the legal proceedings that will follow for Younes Bekkali. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department has not released a statement regarding the incident involving their on-duty personnel.

Story summarized from the original created by Amanda Batchelor on www.local10.com, see more information here.

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